Japanese macaques are medium-sized primates with a thick coat that insulates them during cold winters. Their compact body and stumpy tail help reduce heat loss and risk of frostbite. They are also referred to as "snow monkeys" due to their prevalence in colder locales. They have a distinctive red face that grows brighter during breeding season. In the wild, their diet changes seasonally and features fruit, flowers, seeds, leaves, roots and buds. They live in troops of up to 100 individuals.