The Victoria Day holiday marks the beginning of the wilderness recreation season for many Canadians. But as Canadians get back to nature, they're also getting back into bear habitat. In this segment, you'll meet three people who have survived being attacked by bears. And you'll also hear some of The Current's listeners tell tales of their close encounters of the bear kind.

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Today's guest host was Tom Harrington.

Part One of The Current

Satire

It's Monday, May 23rd.

Still no sign of The Rapture as predicted by American Christian Radio host Harold Camping.

Currently, there there, Mr. Camping, it's not the end of the world.

This is the Current.

Bear Attacks - Panel

Victoria Day marks the beginning of the season in which those Hinterland human-bear encounters tend to head into overdrive.

Fatal bear attacks are rare. There are only a handful of them across North America each year and only a few more attacks that result in serious injuries. But the people who have gone toe-to-toe with a bear say the experience changes them. We're joined now by three people who know that first hand: Jane Tillotsen is in Nelson, British Columbia. Wes Werbowy is in Thunder Bay, Ontario. And Gerald Marois is in Waubaushene, Ontario.

Related Links:

• 'I can't just let him win'
• Punch in nose saves man from polar bear

Other segments from today's show:

• Bear Attacks - Continued
• Predictions