Wildlife Defies Chernobyl Radiation 612
An anonymous reader writes "The BBC reports that wildlife has reappeared in the Chernobyl region even with high levels of radiation. Populations of animals both common and rare have increased substantially and there are tantalizing reports of bear footprints and confirmed reports of large colonies of wild boars and wolves. These animals are radioactive but otherwise healthy. A large number of animals died initially due to problems like destroyed thyroid glands but their offspring seem to be physically healthy. Experiments have shown the DNA strands have undergone considerable mutation but such mutations have not impacted crucial functions like reproduction. It is remarkable that such a phenomenon has occurred contrary to common assumptions about nuclear waste. The article includes some controversial statements recommending disposal of nuclear waste in tropical forests to keep forest land away from greedy developers and farmers"
no worries (Score:5, Funny)
We're fine until we have confirmed reports of colonies of large wild boars and wolves
Monty Pythons Meets News Journalist (Score:5, Funny)
I recall a certain knight... a black one... who expressed similar optimism in the face of suffering personal maladies.
Disposal of nuclear waste could be trivial (Score:3, Funny)
OMG Bearzilla (Score:4, Funny)
the lead scientist was heard to say.
There are also footprints belonging to a giant, dinosaur-like creature.
Re:Shame about the humans (Score:1, Funny)
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true
Glowland. (Score:1, Funny)
Well now. This is one idea that the US can use to solve that whole "eminent domain to benefit businesses" problem.
Contrary to Common Assumptions? (Score:5, Funny)
"Experiments have shown the DNA strands have undergone considerable mutation but such mutations have not impacted crucial functions like reproduction. It is remarkable that such a phenomenon has occurred contrary to common assumptions about nuclear waste."
Ummm... the animals are radioactive and their DNA has undergone considerable mutation. What exactly is contrary here to the common assumptions of radiological contamination? Sure matches my own assumptions.
Sure they can reproduce but I wouldn't exactly be jumping with glee over this "recovery". The damage merely has yet to express itself.
Though if any of the local turtles grow to human size and start dressing like ninjas, I'll take back everything I said.
Radioactive Bears? (Score:5, Funny)
Someone get Stephen Colbert on the phone right away! The world must be warned!
Time for 3-eyed bears? (Score:3, Funny)
Oh, wait.
Re:Is there a name for this? (Score:5, Funny)
It's simple really... the creatures that survived were more intelligently designed than those that died.
Any iguanas? (Score:2, Funny)
Re:But ... (Score:3, Funny)
You must be new here. That's supposed to be:
I like oatmeal, you insensitive clod!
Then, depending on the mood of the mods, you get hammered with Offtopic and/or Redundant, or you escape lucky with only some worthless Funny upmods. Nice try, though, for a n00b.
Re:Monty Pythons Meets News Journalist (Score:5, Funny)
Re:But ... (Score:2, Funny)
I cant wait till they start selling mutant bear rugs on ebay.
Re:no worries (Score:5, Funny)
Westley: Rodents Of Unusual Size? I don't think they exist.
Not a bear (Score:1, Funny)
Actually it's not a bear, it's a really huge cat looking for a place to lay his 10,000 eggs.
Re:But ... (Score:1, Funny)
No signs of exposure, eh? Look at this picture and tell me it's not an oatmeal-mutant! [lesroquetes.com]
Re:Is there a name for this? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:But ... (Score:5, Funny)
Just to be clear, we are talking about the same Japan, right?
Hunting Season (Score:1, Funny)
Remember that glowing pig story... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:But ... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Is there a name for this? (Score:5, Funny)
Verily I say unto you, they HAVE been touched by His Noodly Appendage. Ramen.
Re:But ... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:But ... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:But ... (Score:3, Funny)
I know thats what you'd like to think, but its REALLY His Noodly Appendage making the area potentially habitable for Pirates again. There is simply not enough evidence to support any other conclusion.
Re:Disposal of nuclear waste could be trivial (Score:5, Funny)
Stupid idea (Score:1, Funny)
Re:no worries (Score:2, Funny)
Re:But ... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:But ... (Score:5, Funny)
You're really stretching your credibility here, pal.
While we're doing movie quotes (Score:5, Funny)
(Can anyone guess the Movie or Book title?)
Re:But ... (Score:4, Funny)
Re:While we're doing movie quotes (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Is there a name for this? (Score:3, Funny)
So that explains why we're so vulnerable to viruses.
Re:Disposal of nuclear waste could be trivial (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Can we use it for good? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:no worries (Score:1, Funny)
Re:But ... (Score:5, Funny)
That is an interesting thought. Survival of the most capable. You should make a theory out of that.
Re:While we're doing movie quotes (Score:4, Funny)
That might have been clever if you hadn't included the name of the character.
If the average
Radio Jerevan answers (Score:2, Funny)
We have been asked: What is the Soviet union's attitude towards wildlife preservation
Answer: We take it very seriously. Take the Chernobyl natural reserve for example - the west has nothing like it!
Re:Whooosh! (Score:5, Funny)
Re:In Other News.... (Score:2, Funny)
Re:But ... (Score:3, Funny)
Man get with the times. It's the Ukraine now, Ukraine and the Soviet Union split up a couple years ago. Not sure who won in the divorce. Oh yeah I remember now, the lawyers.
Re:But ... (Score:2, Funny)
~nate
Re:While we're doing movie quotes (Score:2, Funny)