The Land Of Fire And Ice

In the Kamchatka Peninsula of far east Russia, there lies a coral reef formally known as the valley of death. Surrounded by seas that are very cold and are almost frozen all year round, there are dozens of mini volcanoes crammed into one space it has got the nickname ‘Land Of Fire And Ice’. 

However, there is more to Kamchatka than its wild beauty - in the shadow of one of one of its fiery volcanoes, called Kihpinych, there is a small, narrow valley - that animals enter - but never leave.

The Valley Of Death was first discovered in 1975 by volcanologist Vladimir Leonov. At first, Vladimir thought is was just a normal coral reef, but as he explored further, strange icy clouds and a number of dead animals drew him in. Nobody had properly explored them before, so it was a complete surprise to him. But, just as he feared, there were hundreds of dead animals with blood dripping down their head that had been perfectly preserved by the ice. What was even more strange is that they don’t seem scared, they don’t seem to be running away, or climbing away to escape. But from what?

Vladimir reported his discovery to the press and gave the valley it’s grim name for the first time. He encouraged other scientists to explore it and investigate.

A bear expert called Vitaly Nikoleyenco reported that there was no sign of attack, any running movements or anything else, but instead they had become confused and lost.

It wasn’t just bears though. There was a whole range of different species that were found dead. These included bodies of foxes, wolverines (not the superhero), mice, and birds - even an eagle was found there! 

Adding to this, even humans felt funny when they approached. This suggests some kind of hunter - animal or human - was stalking their prey very stealthily.

After several investigations, researchers came up with an explanation that carbon dioxide was leaking into the valley. Volcanoes don’t only emit gas from their craters, but also from openings in the ground called vents. Cold carbon dioxide is heavier than air. If there were no wind, it would sink down close to ground level. 

Carbon dioxide is a natural part of nature. For example, we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. It is fine if we breath in a small amount, but if we breath in a large amount it can be fatal to us. It causes dizziness and fainting, and if there is no escape, even death. This is fits in perfectly with the battlefield Leonov discovered in 1975, but many believe there is more to the valley...

Many suspect there are even more mysteries to the Land Of Fire And Ice. When Leonov reported his findings to the government, a military helicopter came down onto the reef and soldiers stood guard whilst scientists took samples from the bears. No one knows why they came they’re or what they were doing. Many suggest a stealthy hunter lurks there, and this explained the strange deaths there...