deer
Characteristics of the deer (Cervus elaphus) population in the Exclusion Zone
The red deer was once an ordinary animal at the Polesye. However, at the beginning of the twentieth century this species was almost exterminated. In the middle of last century the red deer was introduced into hunting preserves of the Chernobyl region and adjacent territories.
At present, red deer can be found virtually anywhere in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. There are about 200 to 300 red deer in the zone.
After the ChNPP accident, zoologists found red deer in the northern part of the Exclusion Zone, near the Uzh River and in the Opachy forest. Red deer were also seen near villages Tolsty Les, Staraya Krasnitsa, Rechitsa, as well as near towns Starye Shepelichi and Chistogalovka.
In the recent years, red deer could be seen on the left bank of the Pripyat River.
