Be armed Always have a sufficiently powerful weapon at hand when travelling in Svalbard outside the settlements. Be prepared to scare away approaching bears using a scaring device (see p. 6). Polar bears are large and formidable, and a wounded bear is a “worst-case scenario”. Human fatalities have occurred in Svalbard when people have defended themselves against polar bears with weapons of insufficient calibre. A high powered big game rifle (calibre .308 win, 30-06 or heavier) is the best weapon for protection against polar bears, and hunting cartridges with expandable lead core bullets are the only recommended ammunition. The only alternative weapon is a pump action shotgun with rifled slugs (calibre 12); such a weapon must be able to accommodate at least four cartridges in the magazine. Make sure that you are familiar with your weapon to the point where you can aim it and operate it under stress. If you have never shot before, get instructions and training from an experienced person.Klicka för att utvidga...
