Polar bear tourism expansion require caution, researchers say

Researchers say the expansion of Churchill's polar bear tourism industry needs to be undertaken with caution.

This after the Manitoba government issued new tourism permits for a protected area east of the town for the first time in decades.

Researcher Andrew Derocher says there are fewer bears in the area and the population is being challenged by climate change.

Without any community consultation, the province issued new permits to a company called Lazy Bear Expeditions.

The owner is Wally Daudrich, a former federal Conservative candidate.