For a long time, hikers in Japan have considered a bear bell essential. Its tinny ring is said to sc

For a long time, hikers in Japan have considered a bear bell essential. Its tinny ring is said to scare off the huge creatures. Nowadays, however, bear bells are increasingly useful on the way to the shops as well as in the wild. “The number of animals whether bears, boars or monkeys- is expanding, and they are going into villages and towns,” says Hiroto Enari of Yamagata University.
Japan is home to many species of wild animals, including both black and brown bears. It's estimated that the number of bears has been rising since 2000. In 2018, the number was close to 13,000. The reappearance has its roots in human demography (人口统计学): the reduction of Japan's population is especially obvious in rural areas, where it is deeply influenced by ongoing urbanization. Usually, the bears are afraid of entering a village with people around. The appearance of bears is more seen in villages where the population is falling fastest.
Hunting is declining in Japan too. Government data suggest that the average hunter is now 68 years old. The country's many forests and mountains provide an expansive habitat for wild animals. Indeed, wild areas are growing as foresters and farmers die off. Bears become particularly bold, running into villages for persimmon.
While some welcome the reappearance of bears, others suffer from it. Every year bears injure scores of people, and kill several. Besides, deer can cause damage to farmland. Simple solutions, such as changing the layout around villages or putting up fences, are rarely used. Instead, many bears are caught or killed. In 2013 the government resolved to reduce half the number of certain types of deer, boars and monkeys by 2023. “Japan is struggling to adapt to the changing power balance between animals and people," says Mr. Enari.
5. Why is a bear bell necessary for Japanese hikers?
A. Because it is tinny and convenient.
B. Because it can be used in the wild.
C. Because it can make special noises.
D. Because it can frighten wild animals away.
6. What makes the number of bears increasing so rapidly in Japan?
①Hunting is not as popular as it used to be.
②Bears can enter villages without people's permission.
③Japan' s population in the countryside is falling fast.
④Foresters and farmers are not allowed to kill bears.
A. ①④ B. ②④ C. ①③ D. ②③
7. The underlined word “resolved" is closest in meaning to “_________________”.
A. chose B. determined C. managed D. refused
8. What can be inferred from the last paragraph?
A. Japan is trying to balance animals with humans.
B. People are in favour of the reappearance of bears.
C. Changing the layout or putting up fences is useless.
D. The reappearance of bears is harmful to human beings.
【答案】