During the Spring while photographing mother polar bears that have emerged from their dens I have noticed a disturbing increase in the number of tourist groups corralling the inhabited den sites of mother polar bears and their young. It would appear the polar bear's most important and sacred habitat - its occupied den sites, will now be the focus of new commercial enterprise. A mother polar bear's den provides protection by allowing gradual acclimatization to the elements and building of critical body mass for its young cubs. If a mother polar bear is pressured to the point of leaving the den early, the cubs chances of survival is greatly reduced. Predation by wolves, starvation, and the harsh climate are just some of the challenges for the young cubs. Given that the polar bear is already faced with the unknown effects of climate change, people must realize the sensitivity of disturbing the den sites of the polar bears with groups of tourists. This continued practice may eventually have a serious negative impact on these magnificent beasts and their offspring. | 
