It appears that these creatures were at one point humans, however it is difficult to imagine the conditions that could turn a human being into this disgusting animal.
Snorks are crazy creatures that lead an animal life and differ little from other carnivorous monsters in the Zone. They move on four legs, jumping along and constantly sniffing the ground in hope of picking up the scent of their prey. They hunt carefully and in a calculated manner, ambushing stalkers like wild animals. Their sharp reflexes and powerful muscles allow snorks to make accurate long jumps and tear their victims to shreds in a matter of seconds.
Parts of army uniforms and other clothing are sometimes found on their bodies making it reasonable to suggest that they are what became of missing military stalkers.
It seems these creatures were human at some point, though it is difficult to imagine what conditions could turn a human being into such a disgusting beast. Snorks are insane creatures leading a beast's life and differing little from other carnivorous monsters in the Zone. They move on all fours in long jumps, constantly sniffing the ground in hope of picking up the scent of prey. They hunt carefully, in a calculated manner, frequently setting up ambushes. Thanks to its uncanny reflexes and powerful muscles, the snork can approach the victim, pin it down in one long, accurate jump, and tear it to shreds in a matter of seconds. Strips of army uniforms and other clothing are occasionally found on their bodies. It stands to reason that they are all that's left of missing military stalkers.
This is one of the creepier mutants, and one of my favorite ones as well, mainly because it resembles a mutated human being wearing a gas mask. I love that.
Snorks are fairly common in some of the later stages of the game in the area of Yantar and inside X16 for example; I have also observed Snorks in the Wild Territory but only having been there a few times (ie. they don't seem to appear the first time you are there). Finally, a few Snorks can also be found in Pripyat.