Animals of Chernobyl: Meet the Mutants

On April 26, 1986 humanity’s greatest nuclear accident occurred: the Chernobyl incident.

Approximately 68 billion dollars in damages was incurred, and thousands of lives were lost as a direct result of radiation over the years. Almost everything that remained in the radioactive zone died within 6 months.

To this day projects are still working to monitor the region and prevent more radiation from spreading. New covers are made to minimize the damages.

Cesium-137 was the most dangerous chemical left to contaminate the region, which has a “half life” of about 30 years. This means that the contaminated areas will not be safe for modern human habituation for another 20,000 years.

But what about the animals that were living there?

Our video version of this post is one of our finest. Watch it HERE now (you’ll love it!).

You can also download the podcast version by clicking the download button above this blog post.

The Early Mutants of Chernobyl

Immediately following the Chernobyl incident, a large spike in oddly mutated animals occurred in the area along with farmers in the nearby regions observing their livestock being born with mutations.

Nearby countries such as Italy issued warnings to not consume certain products, such as milk, as a cloud of radiation spread across Europe- even reaching Britain!

Unlike the horror shows, mutated animals can’t typically reproduce. They die off quickly or can’t find a partner. Most previously healthy animals died as a result of radiation.

Insects disappeared especially quickly for reasons that aren’t entirely understood, but speculated at (more on this later).

Within the first 6 months to year of the incident, it appeared that wildlife had almost entirely disappeared.

The forests surrounding the city of Pripyat became silent. No more insects. No more birds. No howl of the wolves. True silence.

Chernobyl Today

That’s not the Chernobyl we know today. Despite a large region previously thought to be quite deadly, the current Chernobyl is filled with abundant wildlife.

In fact, the wildlife is so abundant in the region that some species appear to be faring better than before humans lived in the area! Some types of animals that were nearing extinction are finding themselves living happily in a human-free zone making it easier to thrive.

Examples of animals seen within the radioactive exclusion zone include horses, wolves, badgers, swans, moose, elk, turtles, deer, foxes, beavers, boars, bison, mink, hares, otters, lynx, eagles, rodents, storks, bats, and owls. 

As it was said in Jurassic Park: “Life finds a way.”

Normal Mutants

All because these animals live in a highly radioactive and dangerous zone doesn’t mean they look strange. The majority of mutations & defects are gone. Most animals today look completely normal, so much so you couldn’t tell the difference between normal animals.

That being said they aren’t normal- they’re 100% mutants. Their DNA has still been greatly affected, and even touching them could be dangerous for you as it is extremely radioactive.

Still, these creatures have been observed to be living healthy, normal lives. If anything some scientists speculate that wildlife is doing even better in the region than when humans used to live there.

In a way the exclusion zone has created a “safe haven” for wild creatures that can withstand the radiation because they don’t have to deal with humans hunting there, destroying their habitat, and taking their resources.

This area is theirs, and shall remain so for the next 20,000 or so years (unless humans adapt, too).

The Chernobyl Extinct

All that being said, not all creatures are thriving in the zone. Many creatures have disappeared entirely in the area.

Invertebrate populations including bees, butterflies, spiders, grasshoppers, and dragonflies have completely diminished. This is likely because the animals lay eggs in the top layer of soil, which contains high levels of radioactivity.

Still this isn’t completely understood as other animals (such as the wolves of Chernobyl) have large amounts of radiation on their skin but appear to be just fine.

As it turns out, the long-running saying of having to eat cock-roaches for food after a nuclear war may not hold true. You’d be blessed to not have to deal with any pests, and that doesn’t sound so bad!

What Does This Mean?

No scientist could’ve predicted just how fast (if at all) wildlife would’ve returned to the radioactive Chernobyl zone, but alas- it has. Life is going on. It has adapted.

Since the creation of the nuclear bomb many have wondered if it would be possible to completely wipe out life on Earth. While still not impossible, this unintentional science experiment reveals that life can adapt to almost anything.

The long-term effects still need to be studied and will continue to be studied. For now it appears these mutants have adapted, or had previous mutations that allow them to withstand radiation.

Humans in the Exclusion Zone

Wild animals aren’t the only creatures thriving in the exclusion zone! About 130 people still live in the highly radioactive zone.

During the evacuation about a thousand people decided to remain in Pripyat & the surrounding areas despite soldiers demanding they leave. Some were so determined to stay they demanded the soldiers “shoot us and bury us or let us stay.”

Now referred to as “Chernobyl’s Babushkas,” primarily because the remaining survivors are old women, these people live happy, functioning lives in the area. Some appear to be unaffected for the most part.

This may be because they were lucky not to stay in such radioactive areas. The radiation does not disperse evenly. Some areas are more dangerous than others.

However some people speculate that some people are able to resist radiation and thrive in it!

Wildlife in Chernobyl

It was originally believed that nothing could survive in such a contaminated region, but nature is proving us wrong. It seems that life adapts and “finds a way” no matter what.

Wildlife is thriving in the area and will likely continue thriving. It’s different, but life as a whole is going on despite the high levels of radiation.

This is still a very dangerous region for most humans to visit long-term due to the radiation effects, but it is possible some humans could have genetic mutations that allow them to survive in this.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know.

-Wildlife x Team International

Submit a Comment

* Required Field
Offering
  • Pest X Team Logo
  • Junk X Team Logo
  • X Team Services Logo
  • X Team Bird Control Logo
  • Gutter X Team Logo
  • Mosquito X Team Logo
As Featured on These Networks & Affiliates
  • Apple News Logo
  • Fox Logo
Affiliations:
  • Elite Service Logo
  • National Pest Management Association Logo
  • NWCOA Logo
  • If you have raccoons in your attic, garage, or other areas of your home, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today! Wildlife X Team are experts in raccoon removal and exclusion services.
  • Squirrel problems are rampant nationally. Squirrels can cause extensive damage in and around homes, including soiling floors and walls. Squirrels don't stand a chance against Wildlife X Team®'s trained professional staff.
  • Rodent problems are common for homeowners, but Wildlife X Team® can help you prevent rodents from getting in your walls or your attic. Keep rodents out of your home by calling today!
  • Removing and relocating bats is best left to professionals, as bats will bite and scratch if threatened. If you see signs of bats on your property or want to know how to get rid of bats from your attic and chimney, please call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007.
  • Although armadillos have no reason to get into houses, there is a lot of damage armadillos can cause. Their diet consists mostly of grubs and insects, but when they burrow, it can affect the very structure of buildings. Call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Whether you are facing a snake infestation on your property or just notice a single snake, call (817) 431-3007 at Wildlife X Team® today. Most snakes are harmless, some are venomous, and we can remove all kinds of snakes safely and quickly.
  • Birds can add a lot of enjoyment to the outdoor experience, but sometimes they cause trouble. If you're having an issue with problem birds like pigeons, starlings, or sparrows, give Wildlife X Team® a call at (817) 431-3007.
  • At Wildlife X Team®, we offer worry-free opossum removal and trapping. We can also repair any opossum damage.
  • Infamous for their defense mechanism, skunks are smelly creatures. This unique critter releases a scent to ward off predators and stay safe, and it smells offensive and can be dangerous.
  • Coyotes, a relative of the canine, are known for terrorizing livestock, and even household pets. Coyotes are often active at night, and homeowners often report the howling cries of these medium-sized creatures.
  • Badgers are notorious for having a bite that rivals their bark — despite their less-than-formidable size! Badgers have been known to fight animals as large as a bear!
  • Beaver damage is primarily to landscapes like riverbeds and lakesides. If you discover beaver damage in your property, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 to help relocate beavers and repair any damages caused by these flat-tailed critters.
  • Nocturnal creatures, bobcats will take down any prey necessary, especially livestock. Bobcats are territorial and will often return to the property they have claimed as their own, especially if there is a steady food source.
  • Chipmunks can be annoying and clever creatures, but they're no match for Wildlife X Team®. We offer chipmunk removal, and chipmunk damage repair services, plus we know how to keep chipmunks from coming back!
  • Fox landscape damage and feeding behaviors can affect homeowners' safety, so it's important to not approach a fox if you see one in the wild or on your property. Wildlife X Team® offers fox removal, fox trapping, and fox prevention. Call today!
  • Lizards, similar in appearance to snakes, can be frightening if you spot one in the wild or in your home, and although they don't typically attack residents, it's still good to not approach lizards.
  • Mole damage is most commonly found on landscapes, and sometimes humans don't even come into contact with them, but they definitely experience mole damage.
  • If you have discovered scorpion(s) in your garden or on your property, call us today for scorpion removal services.
  • Voles are not often spotted by humans, but vole damage is visible. For vole trapping, vole removal, and vole damage repair services, call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Infestations of bugs are common, so if you are facing an insect infestation, don't panic—we can help kill insects and get rid of them inside and outside your home.
  • Wild hog trapping and wild hog prevention are the most effective means of wild hog removal. Due to the aggressive nature of wild hogs, we do not recommend DIY wild hog trapping.
  • Termite infestations are common inside homes and on properties, so if you are dealing with insects, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today to get rid of your termite problem fast and effectively!
  • Bee and wasp infestations are common, so if you are facing a stinging insect infestation, don't panic — we can help get rid of them inside and outside your home.
About
Wildlife X Team is rapidly becoming the leader in the nuisance wildlife control industry. We lead the way in the development of technology, education, products and services in Wildlife Management.
Read More About Us
100% Financing
SuperMoney offers 100% financing up to $100,000 and 30 second approvals. You'll fill out one easy form and get competing pre-approved loan offers back in real time.
Apply Now
Wildlife X Team offers an exclusive Wildlife Inspection Report® which includes commonly overlooked areas where wildlife can enter and infest your home.
Project: Pest Control - Bugs & Insects
Great service, very thorough! This was my first time to use them and I signed up for the yearly service. They were extremely polite and had excellent follow up through the entire process.
Amy O., Haslet, TX