A
Some locals of Venice, Florida, were in for a surprise when they met their new neighbors this summer. A family of coyotes (丛林狼) had moved into the yard of an empty house on their street.
“Coyotes are a hot topic around here，” says Pam DeFouw, a wildlife rescue expert in Venice. “We get lots of calls about them.” A hundred years ago, you wouldn't have seen a coyote in Florida. For centuries, coyotes lived mainly in the grasslands of what is now the western United States. Now, it's not unusual to see a coyote just about anywhere in the U．S., even in major cities such as Chicago, Illinois, and New York City. A recent study found that since 1950, the number of coyotes has greatly increased more than any other carnivore (肉食动物) in North America. Researchers expect the animals to make their way to South America soon.
Scientists say the main reason behind the spread of coyotes is the disappearance of their natural enemies, especially wolves. Many years' hunting has wiped_out the wolf population in some areas, allowing coyotes to move in.
At the same time, humans have built cities and towns on what used to be open land. Because they are very good at adapting (适应) to these environments, coyotes have learned to live under houses, on beaches, and in grassy areas such as parks and ball fields.
Coyotes are now so common that experts say we must learn to live safely together with them.
“People are afraid of coyotes，” says DeFouw. “But they are as afraid of us as we are of them.”
Plus, says DeFouw, coyotes serve an important purpose. They help keep pest populations under control by eating rats, mice, and insects.
However, coyotes sometimes hunt pets too. DeFouw advises pet owners to take action by keeping cats indoors and always walking dogs on a lead. People should never feed coyotes or leave food outside. And if you see a coyote, make loud noise to scare (惊吓) it away. If it seems sick or injured, call your local animal welfare officials.
“Coyotes are here to stay，” says DeFouw. “The best thing people can do is learn about the animals in their backyard. Be careful, but don't live in fear of them.”
语篇解读：本文是说明文。文章介绍了美国丛林狼因数量激增，常常出没在城镇中，给当地居民带来了困扰。
1．Why does DeFouw say coyotes are a hot topic in Venice?
A．More coyotes are being kept as pets.
B．Many people are getting hurt by coyotes.
C．Coyotes are commonly found there.
D．More coyotes have appeared in the grasslands.
解析：选C 细节理解题。由第一段中的“coyotes (丛林狼) had moved into the yard of an empty house”和第二段中的“it's not unusual to see a coyote just about anywhere in the U．S.”可知，丛林狼经常出没在城镇，这在Venice成了热门话题。
2．What does the underlined phrase “wiped out” in Paragraph 3 mean?
A．Counted. B．Increased.
C．Supported. D．Destroyed.
解析：选D 词义猜测题。由第三段中的“the disappearance of their natural enemies, especially wolves”可知，一些地区的狼群因多年捕杀已经被彻底消灭了。
3．What do we know about coyotes?
A．They are good at learning.
B．They are not very adaptable.
C．They are afraid of loud noise.
D．They are often ready to hurt humans.
解析：选C 细节理解题。由倒数第二段中的“if you see a coyote, make loud noise to scare (惊吓) it away”可知，丛林狼害怕噪音。
