Romans say enough to invasion of wild boars

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Category: Science/Environment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. rampage / ræmˈpeɪdʒ / (v.) – to cause a lot of damage or make a lot of noise while going through an area
    Example:

    Several store owners closed their shops and called the police because some violent gangs were rampaging on the streets.


  2. notoriously / noʊˈtɔr i əs li / (adv.) – being famous for something bad
    Example:

    Traffic in Manila is notoriously difficult to predict, so office workers usually leave for work very early.


  3. overflow / ˌoʊ vərˈfloʊ / (v.) – to be so filled with something that there’s no longer any space for more
    Example:

    I couldn’t do the laundry last weekend. That’s why the laundry basket is now overflowing with clothes.


  4. exasperated / ɪgˈzæs pəˌreɪ tɪd / (adj.) – feeling annoyed or angry, especially because a problem can’t be solved
    Example:

    I’m becoming exasperated because of all the delays in our project.


  5. dumpster / ˈdʌmp stər / (n.) – a large container for trash
    Example:

    That area smells awful because the dumpsters there aren’t covered.


Article

Read the text below.

Rome has been invaded by Gauls, Visigoths and Vandals over the centuries, but the Eternal City is now grappling with a rampaging force of an entirely different sort: trash-seeking wild boars.


Entire families of wild boars have become a daily sight in Rome, as groups of 10 to 30 beasts young and old emerge from the vast parks surrounding the city to trot down traffic-clogged streets in search of food in Rome’s notoriously overflowing rubbish bins.


Posting wild boar videos on social media has become something of a sport as exasperated Romans capture the scavengers marching past their stores, strollers and playgrounds.


“I am afraid of walking on the sidewalk, because on one side there are the dumpsters for the rubbish and they (the boars) jump on me,” said Grazia, a 79-year-old grandmother waiting outside an elementary school to pick up her grandchildren. She did not give her last name.


Wild boars can weigh up to 100 kilos, reach 80 centimeters in height and measure 150 centimeters long. (AP)


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Entire families of wild boars have become a daily sight in Rome, as large groups trot down traffic-clogged streets in search of food. How do you think this will affect tourism in the city (ex. people will avoid visiting Rome, curious tourists will visit)? Why? Discuss.
  • Why do you think the boars are looking for food in the city’s dumpsters? Do you think the city should chase the boars away, or should it find a way to let the boars stay without scavenging for food? Why? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • How would you feel if wild animals started looking for food in your area? What would you do to stay safe? Why? Discuss.
  • What do you think should be done to prevent wild animals from searching for food in the city’s trash bins? Why? Discuss.