Why we need to get over our fear of bears
Panel: Kevin Van Tighem / Charlie Russell
Kevin Van Tighem's first memories of bears were watching them feed at a garbage dump back in the 1960s. In the decades since he's tried to understand them -- and tried to understand our fear of them.
Mr. Van Tighem is a former Superintendent of Banff National Park. He has no illusions about their power. His own sister and her husband were viciously attacked by a grizzly in Waterton Park in the 1980's. The assault ultimately led to her death.
And yet, Kevin Van Tighem says it's time for us to stop being so afraid. He outlines his case in his new book Bears Without Fear that will be released later this month. It could be a timely message as Alberta is now reviewing how it manages its grizzlies.
Kevin Van Tighem joined us from our Calgary studio.
Charlie Russell knows better than anyone what it's like to be up close and intimate with bears. Charlie literally lived with the grizzlies on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula for 10 years. Eating,sleeping and fishing with them. He joined us from his home in Pincher Creek Alberta.
This segment was produced by The Current's Liz Hoath and Michael O'Halloran.
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A Special edition of The Current on Victoria Day
Next Monday, Juno-nominated Canadian musician Sarah Harmer hosts a special Victoria Day Edition of The Current.
Sarah brings a deep commitment to environmental and social justice issues and she'll explore Canada's first urban national park.
And she will look into what's behind the lowest water levels on record across the Great Lakes.
Plus she'll talk to legendary Canadian musician Bruce Cockburn about mixing music and social activism.
Other segments from today's show: