In Svalbard, you're not allowed to leave the cente of Longyearbyen unless you (or someone in your party) has a large-calibre rifle and a noise-maker, specifically because of the risk from polar bears. It's then illegal to shoot one, unless you need to do so in order to defend yourself or someone else.

I believe there are three places in town that will rent you a rifle; two of them insist you have a firearms certificate.

On one trip ashore, I was on the first boat. The guide asked me to get out first, then she handed me the rifle and asked me to hold it while she got out. Only the second time I've held such a powerful gun.