Grizzly bears have all but disappeared from the continental United States. But there's one place where the bears are making a comeback in and around Yellowstone National Park. By 1975, the grizzly population had dropped below 140. Forty-one years later, that number has increased to about 700.
U.S. officials suggest it's time to remove them from the endangered species list.“The bears are occupying all suitable habitat,” Michael Thabault, of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said.“This tells us the population is fixed.”
Scientists argue that the bears still face many challenges in the wild. The loss of important food sources is one. Trout and elk, both favorite grizzly foods, are dwindling. According to Thabault, the bears are adaptable and will eat whatever foods are available in order to survive.
The biggest worry for scientists is that grizzlies will be hunted once protections are removed. The bears will remain protected within Yellowstone National Park, but nearby states—Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho—plan to allow hunting.
“States want to manage their own wildlife and not have the federal government tell them how to do it,”says Andrea Santarsiere. She' s a lawyer for the Center for Biological Diversity, a group that protects animals. She says the government should recover historic bear habitat before even thinking about delisting.
The decision on delisting grizzlies in the Yellowstone area could be announced by mid-November. States are creating a protection plan in case that they gain control over the bears' management.
Biologist Kerry Gunther, of the National Park Service, believes grizzlies are ready for delisting. But he admits that the bears' lives depend on the strength of each state's plan. “The recovery of this symbol of the wilderness is a success story,” he says. Whether or not that story has a happy ending will depend on what happens next.
12. The numbers mentioned in Paragraph 1 show that________.
A.grizzly bears have returned | B.there will be more national parks |
C.governments should save more bears | D.grizzlies have become endangered animals |
13. What is the biggest threat to grizzlies according to the scientists?
A.Food shortage. | B.The pollution. |
C.Human beings. | D.Their natural enemies. |
14. What does Santarsiere say about delisting grizzlies?
A.It is useless. | B.It is unacceptable. |
C.It has a bright future. | D.It should be done immediately. |
15. What does Gunther agree with?
A.Delisting has a happy ending. |
B.States should make plans for parks. |
C.Grizzlies need more time to survive in the wild. |
D.Sates play an important role in protecting grizzlies. |