The Seattle Times recently ran a piece on the status of polar bears as gravely endangered animals. The news source commented on the hordes of individuals who have flocked to the Pittsburgh Zoo this summer to observe these animals, and how unlikely it is to actually encounter them in their natural habitat. According to the news source, Churchill, Manitoba may be one of the only places left in the world where one can witness polar bears in the wild.

Due to climate change, the Arctic habitat of the polar bear is in danger. The sea ice on which these animals hunt is rapidly and consistently melting, which has shortened their hunting season to the point that they are struggling to acquire enough food to survive. Melting ice has also been reported as a major and direct cause of polar bear death, as many have drowned attempting to swim too far between frozen retreats.

According to the news source, hundreds of polar bears still congregate on the Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba each year, however. Individuals who are interested in observing these animals in their natural habitats may have the best luck traveling to this Canadian city during the migration season.