Pre-reading questions:
- Have you seen bears in person? Can you share any distinctive features or characteristics that come to mind?
- Where specifically in your country can you encounter wildlife?
Vocabulary:
- steady /STED-ee/
- link /lingk/
- decline /dih-KLAHYN/
- territory /TER-i-tawr-ee/
- significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/
[adjective] – gradual and consistent, without significant fluctuations or sudden changes
Her steady dedication to her studies paid off, as she consistently achieved high grades throughout the semester.
[verb] – to connect or join one thing to another
The scientists found that the rise in sea temperatures was linked to the decline in the local fish population.
[noun] – a decrease or reduction in something
The decline in manufacturing jobs has led to economic challenges in the region.
[noun] – a specific area or region of land, often associated with a particular group, country, or species, which is under control or ownership of that entity
The wolves fiercely protected their territory from intruding rival packs.
[adjective] – important, notable, or considerable in effect or degree; having meaning or consequence
The discovery of a new species in the area was a significant event for the scientific community.
Article reading:
Up until the end of July 2023, there have been 113 bear sightings in the city, the highest in a decade for such a short period. This spike in sightings emphasizes the need for greater awareness and potential measures to manage the coexistence of humans and bears. It highlights the importance of understanding and adapting to the changing behavior of wildlife in urban environments. In this evolving situation, achieving a balance between human and bear safety calls for careful planning and intervention to ensure peaceful cohabitation in the increasingly shared spaces of Sapporo.
Comprehension questions
- How have brown bears in Sapporo, Japan, been displaying a change in behavior?
- What recent incidents have brought attention to the altered behavior of brown bears?
- What factors are contributing to the increased boldness of bears in approaching urban areas?
- How has the decline in farmers and hunters impacted the behavior of bears in Sapporo?
- Why is it important to raise awareness and implement potential measures for coexisting with bears in urban environments?
Discussion questions
- Can you tell me about any personal experiences or stories you’ve heard regarding encounters between people and wildlife in cities? How were these situations handled?
- Have you ever come across wildlife in or near a city? What was it like, and how did you handle it? If not, how do you think you would react?
- Do you believe using things like bear-resistant containers or creating specific paths for wildlife could help reduce the problem of bears entering urban areas?
- How might the decline in the number of farmers and hunters affect the behavior of wildlife in cities?
- What do you think could be done to ensure the safety of both people and bears in situations like this? How can cities adapt to this changing situation?