Over the Edge by Gloria Skurzynski Page B

more. What we don’t understand is the source of all this lead. That’s why I’m here.”
    Claudia shook her head in concern. “Can anything be done to stop the deaths?”
    â€œYes!” Olivia spoke so vehemently that Jack jumped, and a soft murmur went through the crowd of people gathered in a semicircle to watch the interview. “First, let me say, Claudia, that the team of scientists and park rangers trying to save these birds are the most dedicated people I’ve ever known. They work every day—and I mean every day, no time off—to help the condors. After the five deaths, they recaptured almost all of the wild condors in this area and have kept them caged for the birds’ safety. That means they have to remain locked away until the source of the contamination is located. The last bird, an adolescent they call Number 72, has just been spotted in the area of Grandeur Point, which is where I’ll be for the rest of the day. When that condor is caught, visitors will once again be deprived of experiencing these magnificent birds.”
    â€œWhat can be done?” Claudia prompted.
    â€œThe most obvious solution is for hunters to stop using shotgun shells that contain lead pellets. Other types of shells are available that won’t hurt the condors. Oh, I know it would cost a little more, but responsible hunters are already changing to non-lead ammunition.”
    â€œDo you believe all the hunters will comply?”
    Olivia shook her head no. “We already know some will not do this voluntarily. And so, I want to propose a more drastic solution.”
    Half watching the cameramen, Jack got the impression that they now zoomed in for a close-up. Maybe Claudia had given them some kind of signal. “And what is your plan, Dr. Landon?”
    â€œI propose that a law be passed,” Olivia said, pausing for effect, “that would ban all lead-pellet shells within 200 miles of the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park. Anyone using lead shot would be subject to a hefty fine and possible jail time.”
    Claudia turned to look directly into the cameras. “That sounds like a drastic proposal. Won’t there be a lot of opposition?”
    â€œNot from responsible hunters.”
    â€œWhat about the perception among certain hunters that the government is already assuming the role of ‘Big Brother’ in regulating the use of their guns? Many gun owners complain that they are being unfairly targeted by environmentalists. What is your response to them?”
    â€œWell, to put it simply, my concern is for the condors. Condors need protection, even it that means stepping on a few hunters’ toes.”
    â€œBut is passing a new law the right approach?”
    â€œIt’s the only option I can see. Legal action will be necessary because people don’t always do the right thing of their own volition. Regulations have to be made and then enforced in order to protect animals.”
    â€œCan you give me an example?” Claudia prompted.
    Olivia paused for just a moment before saying, “Yes, an example of this would be the Cash-for-Carcasses hunts, something I just learned about today. Most hunters would never even think about participating in this wholesale slaughter, but a minority are blasting away at mountain lions, foxes, and certain predators for cash prizes. At this time, this environmentally disastrous kind of hunting is legal. Once again, legislation needs to be passed to protect the animals who can’t protect themselves, and I’m committed to doing whatever it takes to stop these abuses.”
    â€œThank you, Dr. Landon.” Again, speaking to the cameras, Claudia said, “You’ve just heard Dr. Olivia Landon, specialist in threatened and endangered species, telling us how she hopes to ban lead shot in order to protect the condors, and also put an end to Cash-for-Carcasses hunts. This is Claudia Franklin, CNN News