Life after radiation: Chornobyl's WWII trenches become safe haven for wild animals
World War II fortifications found in Chornobyl Zone (photo: facebook.com/zapovidnyk2018/Denys Vyshnevskyi)
In the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve, near the village of Novosilka, World War II-era fortifications have been discovered, according to the reserve's Facebook.
How animals have settled in WWII fortifications
The reserve's press service explained that staff from the scientific department came across these wartime field fortifications during a survey of the area near the village of Novosilka (part of the Korohod Nature Research Department).
"Traces of more than one war... Journalists often ask us about the consequences of the 2022 occupation, but the exclusion zone also preserves the traces of much older events," they told the public.
The discovered fortifications are a line of trenches approximately 200 meters long, which "have now almost merged into the natural landscape."
At first glance, spotting the remains of the old fortifications is nearly impossible (photo: facebook.com/zapovidnyk2018/Denys Vyshnevskyi)
The public was also reminded that nature gradually reclaims its space, and the shapes of former trenches change due to:
- soil erosion
- plant growth
- wild animals
For example, one trench has become a shelter for a fox. It built its den in the wall of the trench.
A fox den (photo: facebook.com/zapovidnyk2018/Denys Vyshnevskyi)
Meanwhile, ants have built an anthill on the parapet that once served as part of the defensive structure.
Anthill discovered by scientists (photo: facebook.com/zapovidnyk2018/Denys Vyshnevskyi)
"Life goes on, leaving new traces over old scars," the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve concluded.
Earlier, we wrote that wildlife is returning to Chornobyl. The reserve reports an increasing number of horses and deer.
