The polar bear has become something of a global warming poster child. Following the World Wildlife Fund’s announcement — that if current climate trends continue unabated, polar bears could become extinct by the end of this century — tourism to icy environs is on the rise. “It’s natural to want to see these incredible creatures while we still can,” says Ben Bressler, Founder and Director of Natural Habitat Adventures, known for its intimate, small-group expeditions to visit polar bears in northern Manitoba’s Hudson Bay area. “But it’s crucial that travelers take responsibility for making sure visits don’t further endanger fragile habitats.”

It’s not just famously frigid climates at risk. Climate change affects species from insects to top-of-the-food-chain carnivores in various habitats around the globe. The responsible travel experts at Natural Habitat Adventures stress the importance of checking tour outfitters’ eco-credentials before planning a trip. For example, Natural Habitat Adventures offsets all of its travelers’ tour-related carbon emissions; and giving back to the communities it visits is standard practice, as are its strict conservation standards.

Natural Habitat Adventures offers 6- to 8-day polar bear expeditions with four separate itineraries from October 11 - November 19, 2007. Rates start at $3,795 per person, double occupancy, for the 6-day “Classic Polar Bears.” Group size is limited, and all trips arrive and depart from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Founded by Bressler in 1985, Natural Habitat Adventures provides once-in-a-lifetime expeditions offering rare small-group encounters with wildlife in more than 30 countries. A member of Adventure Collection and exclusive Conservation Travel Provider to World Wildlife Fund, the company has been featured by such media as USA Today and Newsweek International, and was ranked top tour operator on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2006 Green List. For additional information, visit www.NatHab.com or call 800-543-8917.

5 to See Before They’re Gone
Polar bears are far from the only wildlife threatened by global climate change. Natural Habitat Adventures highlights five more at-risk examples — and where and when to visit:

1) Penguins, Antarctica, February
2) Harp Seals, Canada’s Magdalen Islands, February and March
3) Monarch Butterflies, Mexico, January - March
4) Sea Turtles, Mexico, August - October
5) Orcas, British Columbia, August

All Natural Habitat Adventures trips are carbon neutral. For more information, visit www.NatHab.com.