A town where visitors must carry rifles when venturing out - Mytour

Despite the mandatory requirement for everyone to carry a rifle when leaving the town center, especially in areas marked with polar bear warnings, there is even a shooting center for tourists. However, the use of firearms must adhere to Longyearbyen's regulations. Violations result in severe penalties.

Typically, rifles come pre-loaded with five rounds. However, you are only allowed to shoot into the air or forward to scare the bears away. If the bear continues to approach or attack after the fourth shot, you must aim precisely at its head for self-defense. As a consequence, leaving Longyearbyen after such an incident means never setting foot in this land again. No exceptions. The locals do not welcome bear killers for any reason.

Nevertheless, if you are unfamiliar with handling firearms, there's no need to worry in Longyearbyen. Those ineligible to carry a rifle must be accompanied by someone licensed to use it when leaving the town center. Those unfamiliar with rifles will be equipped with signal guns to communicate with professional hunters for swift rescue. Additionally, signal traps are often placed around resting stations. Upon contact, they shoot signal flares to alert protectors and prevent wildlife attacks.

By Vi Yen, Ngôi Sao

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Reference: Travel guide Mytour