4．
阅读理解
A squirrel (松鼠) that was nearly killed nine years ago
continues to visit the family that saved, raised and later sent her into the
wild.
In October 2009, a four-week-old squirrel
was almost killed by an owl (猫头鹰). Luckily a wildlife rescue group saved her and left her in the
care of Brantley Harrison and her family in South Carolina. The Harrisons often
look after wild animals and later send them back into the wild.
The Harrisons named her Bella. With three
other squirrels, Bella stayed in Brantley's care until spring. During her stay
Bella acted similarly to the other squirrels. In April 2010, the squirrels were
sent back into the wild. Bella, however, wasn't ready to leave her human family
within days of being released. She started visiting them, looking for
treats. Brantley said that the other squirrels also came back over the first
few days, but within a week they stopped coming by and began to avoid people.
"Bella usually sits at the front door,
waiting for someone to notice her. She comes almost every day," said
Brantley. Her husband John often brings Bella nuts as she is usually waiting by
the door for him. Actually Bella has become a member of the family.
For nine years, she continues to visit
them. Brantley said, "If Bella can teach at least one person to care for
all living things, no matter how big or how small, then we have done what we
have set out to."
