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A photographer acquaintance said that when you go deep into polar bear country always carry a handgun in case a polar bear attacks. For yourself. Unlike other bears, polar bears hunt humans. And like other bears (and dogs) they just eat, they don't kill unless it's an accident.

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Pepper spray might be more effective than a gun if you're not proficient.

For a polar bear? I guess in theory it’s possible but I’ve never heard bear spray recommended for polar bears.

If you want to go backpacking in Svalbard I’ve heard you need to rent a gun and also set up alarm trip wires around your camp. Polar bears are built different.

Small sample size for polar bears in this study but it has been found to be effective.

https://www.bearwise.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/efficacy...

With a guns you might need one or more well placed shots, and if you're not trained and proficient, that will be almost impossible if you find yourself in a situation where a bear is charging at you. Pepper spray can be a lot easier to spray in a bear's face in such a situation.

Might be best to have both spray and a gun handy, though.

Pepper spray is ineffective at ending the suffering of being eaten alive.

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