Farmers, ranchers(1) and county officials(2) from Eastern Washington said a plan to manage(3) wolves as they are re-established in the state has good ideas but doesn't go far enough to cover their potential losses(4) or protect their property. Wolves are making a remarkable1 comeback(5) in Washington. A year ago there were five confirmed wolf packs in the state: now there are eight confirmed packs and three more suspected (6)packs. But wolves will remain protected under Washington's endangered species(7) law until there are at least 15 packs for three years. In the meantime(8), the department has developed a management plan with farmers, ranchers, wildlife experts and conservationists to minimize damage caused by wolves to livestock2(9) and domestic animals. It's a combination of nonlethal techniques to keep wolves away and capture and relocate them, and includes killing3 them under certain circumstances. Senator John Smith said the state should be ready to list wolves as a big game(10) species, which would allow for hunting when they reach a certain level.
1. A 'rancher' is usually a farmer who has cattle, sheep, or pigs.
a. The rancher takes his cows up to the mountains for the good grass.
b. The rancher uses sheep dogs to help him control and direct his sheep.
2. 'Official' refers to a person with a recognised position in government, and has sometimes been elected.
a. Local officials said that they will make safety their priority.
b.State officials met today to discuss the new tax laws.
3. 'To manage' in this context means to control. Managing the wolves would mean allowing them freedom to populate an area, but only up to a certain number.
a. The deer population in this area is managed by the department of fish and game.
b. Predatory animals need to be managed for our safety and to maintain healthy numbers of their
prey4.
4. 'To cover a loss' relates to insurance paying to replace valuable property or possessions, including livestock.
a. What we got from the insurance company will cover our loss of sheep.
b. We must cover our losses before we look for any profits.
5. 'A comeback', the meaning of which is self-explanatory, is often paired with the word 'remarkable', which means 'to be
noted5', 'astonishing', or 'surprising'.
a. The old singer has made a remarkable comeback, and still sings very well.
b. Tight jeans have made a comeback; I remember wearing them twenty years ago.
6. 'Confirmed and suspected'. Studies have been carried out to count the number of packs of wolves. The 'confirmed' packs are definitely there; the 'suspected' packs have not been proven to exist.
a. The suspected engagement of the Royal Prince and his girlfriend has been confirmed; they will marry in May.
b. Cadbury has confirmed international contracts for the next year of up to two billion dollars.
7. 'Endangered species' are the groups of animals that are in danger of
extinction6.
En - dangered spe - cies En - dangered spe - cies En - dangered spe - cies
8. 'In the meantime' is a handy phrase to add to a conversation. It means 'until then' or 'while we are waiting for that to happen'.
a. They'll get here in two hours; in the meantime, let's get the food ready.
b. We're still waiting for rain; in the meantime, the grass is getting
dryer7 and dryer.
9. 'Livestock' means farmed animals of all kinds: cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, geese, chickens etc.
10. 'Game' is used in hunting terms to describe the animal as being available to be hunted. 'Big game' are the larger animals, of which the wolf would be one.
a. Does the hunter prefer small or big game?
b. He's a big game hunter; there are big heads all over his walls.
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