Chernobyl being prowled by mutant wild dogs that have rapidly evolved to SURVIVE nuke fallout, scientists say
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CHERNOBYL has transformed wild dogs into radiation hounds who can survive the deadly nuclear fallout, scientists have revealed. Two stray canine populations have managed to adapt to the uninhabitable conditions in Ukraine for nearly 40 years, transforming man's best friend into a mutant mongrel.
![[Two stray populations make up the fury inhabitants of a nuclear wasteland, nearly 40 years after most humans fled]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/stray-dogs-run-front-chernobyl-800319407_9cc74a.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The study used 500 dogs living around Chernobyl, Ukraine, who have managed to live in the harsh landscape through miraculous generational adaptation. It is believed that understanding how they survived will help scientists learn more about the health risks involved with radiation.
![[Researchers identified 52 genes that could be associated with exposure to the contamination of the nuclear power plant]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1986-nuclear-disaster-chernobyl-volunteers-800319028.jpg?strip=all&w=775)
Experts found there were two main groups of dogs – one living around the power plant and another within Chernobyl city. Researchers identified 52 genes that could be associated with exposure to the contamination of the nuclear power plant. All 61 of the nuclear power plant dogs and 52 out of 55 of the Chernobyl city dogs were identified as being at least 10 per cent German Shepherd, according to the study.
![[The dogs have formed packs for companionship and protection]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1986-nuclear-disaster-chernobyl-volunteers-800319072_e1eabd.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Head researcher Dr. Norman J. Kleiman said: “In addition to classifying the population dynamics within these dogs at both locations, we took the first steps towards understanding how chronic exposure to multiple environmental hazards may have impacted these populations.
“Understanding the genetic and health impacts of these chronic exposures in the dogs will strengthen our broader understanding of how these types of environmental hazards can impact humans and how best to mitigate health risks.”. Dr. Matthew Breen from NC State, “The overarching question here is: does an environmental disaster of this magnitude have a genetic impact on life in the region?.
![[The increased attention on the abandoned dogs has led to agencies offering them their help]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/restricted-zone-around-chernobyl-eerily-800318687.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
