Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is a remote island in the arctic circle, which is governed by the nation of Norway, although there are also many Russian coal miners on the island. Because of the ice and lack of roads, ice sleds are an important means of transportation. By law, all residents must carry a shotgun outside of the towns, and all sleds have a gun rack for this purpose.

Students in Svalbard are taught how to use a shotgun and ammunition to fend off polar bears at the beginning of every school year. Since polar bears can outrun a human in a matter of seconds, every student at the University Center undergoes weapons and arctic survival training. “It’s absolutely necessary,” said Gunnar Sand.

While on a British Schools Exploring Society trip in the Norwegian Island of Svalbard, a 17-year-old was mauled to death by a polar bear. The bear injured four others in the 12-person party before one of the group members shot and killed it. Polar bears typically attack with little warning.