We all know that in 1986 the Chernobyl nuclear power plant had an accident that caused different explosions that spread radioactive substances to all the surroundings, causing great ecological problems in the whole area. Since then scientists have studied the way in which radiation affected natural and animal life, including that of people who lived near the nuclear plant.
The animals of the area were not evacuated when the problem arises, so the breeds that were affected have reproduced for 30 years, which caused that some species were affected and suffered genetic changes.
Swallows that have deformed beaks
After three decades we can see that the swallows in the area have suffered several genetic mutations, affecting their brains, spikes and even their feathers.
A new species of lynx
For many years it was thought that lynxes were extinct in almost all of Europe, leaving only a few in captivity in Spain; But researchers have discovered a new species of lynx around Chernobyl, but these have very high radiation levels that prevent them from being studied in more detail.
Radioactive bison
The bison in the area fed on the plants that absorbed the radiation, so the shoots they feed on are highly radioactive. This has caused these animals also have a body with high levels of radiation.
More aggressive cats
Since the accident of the nuclear plant the cats of the area seemed to have disappeared, but 30 years later the population of cats has grown and these show a highly aggressive behavior, in addition to which they also have high levels of radiation.
More aggressive wolves in the Red Forest
The forest that is around the nuclear plant turned red after the accident, so it was named Red Forest. This forest has always had wolves, but since the accident these wolves have become much more aggressive and contain high levels of radiation thanks to the fact that they have fed on radioactive animals.
Deformed cows
The zone that was to the environs of the nuclear plant were used for the cattle ranch, reason why since then different mutations of cows have been presented, arriving to have deformed cows like which can be seen in the image.
Spiders affected by radiation
The spiders that live in the Red Forest have high levels of radiation, which has caused them to undergo some genetic changes that affect the way they make their webs.
Larger and more aggressive eagles
The eagles of the region fed on the remains of radioactive animals, so this species has also suffered several mutations that have made it more aggressive and larger.