The Chernobyl Nature Reserve has confirmed the presence of jackals
The Chernobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve has officially confirmed the presence of the golden jackal. The animal had previously been detected through tracks and camera traps, but its presence has only now been definitively confirmed.
In June 2026, a jackal that had been killed by a car was found on the road between Chernobyl and Pripyat. This served as further evidence that the predator had settled within the reserve.
Experts note that the jackal occupies an ecological niche between the wolf and the fox. Its appearance may affect the populations of foxes and raccoon dogs, which are the main carriers of rabies, but it does not pose a serious threat to the ecosystem.
The jackal is larger than a fox, weighs about 15 kg, has a gray-gold coat, and a short tail with a black tip. It is primarily active at night and avoids contact with humans.
According to zoologists, the golden jackal is actively expanding its range and has already colonized nearly the entire territory of Ukraine. The largest populations of these predators are found in the Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions.
Source: Chernobyl Radiation-Ecological Biosphere Reserve.
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