this post was submitted on 11 Feb 2026
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Chernob-owl (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 month ago by anon6789@lemmy.world to c/superbowl@lemmy.world
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From Napromieniowani.pl

A tawny owl photographed in the window of an abandoned building in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. This is the most numerous owl species in Europe. The difference is that in Chernobyl, as in a reserve, no one disturbs them.

Photo: Olena Gryszczenko

Source: Chernobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve

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[–] anon6789@lemmy.world 4 points 1 month ago

For more about the area:

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Wikipedia

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russian invasion there were many visitors to the Exclusion Zone annually, and daily tours from Kyiv. In addition, multiple-day excursions can be easily arranged with Ukrainian tour operators. Most overnight tourists stay in a hotel within the town of Chernobyl, which is located within the Exclusion Zone. According to an exclusion area tour guide, as of 2017, there are approximately 50 licensed exclusion area tour guides in total, working for approximately nine companies. Visitors must present their passports when entering the Exclusion Zone and are screened for radiation when exiting, both at the 10 km checkpoint and at the 30 km checkpoint.

Some brief articles:

Chernobyl, nature’s laboratory

How Chernobyl has become an unexpected haven for wildlife

Wow Nature - The Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve

Safety rules during visiting the exclusion zone:

  • Moving around the territory outside the regulated route is dangerous since there are radioactive spots and wild animals.
  • Smoking is the main reason for fires in the exclusion zone.
  • Abandoned property on the territory of the exclusion zone can emit radiation, therefore you should not touch them or take them with you.
  • It is prohibited to sit or put your stuff on the ground, stay overnight in tents or have picnics. The ground in the exclusion zone is affected by radioactive contamination to the utmost.
  • Do not eat vegetables, fruits or mushrooms that grow in the exclusion zone. The local harvest can be radioactive.
  • It is prohibited to eat or drink in the open air. Radionuclides together with dust can accumulate on your food and get inside your body.
  • Visitors of the exclusion zone and the Chornobyl Reserve cannot be in a state of alcoholic intoxication, since it is necessary to assess the situation properly and strictly follow the instructions of the attendant, wear the clothes and shoes that cover the body as much as possible.

Polesia - Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve