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This Girl Lives Where The Sun Doesn't Set For 4 Months — But Why Does She Carry A Gun?
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Cecilia Blomdahl lives in Svalbard, where the sun doesn't set for months. She carries a gun for protection against polar bears, common in this icy Arctic region
A young woman resides in one of the most extraordinary places on Earth, where the sun doesn't set for four months at a time. She recently explained why carrying a gun is an essential part of her daily life.
The Endless Days And Nights Of Svalbard
While many in India find the short winter days gloomy, imagine a place where the sun doesn't rise for several months in winter, and doesn't set for months in summer. Cecilia Blomdahl, a content creator, lives in Svalbard, a remote and icy archipelago at the northern tip of Norway.
Her daily life, shared with millions on YouTube and Instagram, is unlike anything most can imagine, set against a backdrop of stark beauty and hidden dangers.
Why Carry A Gun In Such A Scenic Place?
Surprisingly, Cecilia must carry a gun when she ventures outdoors; not because of common dangers, but to protect herself from polar bears. 'Polar bears breaking into off-grid cabins is not uncommon," she explains.
In fact, a polar bear was recently spotted very close to the local town. Although Cecilia has never had to use her rifle in her nine years on the island, she and her husband always keep it close by. Usually, they carry a flare gun on walks in the forest, as its loud noise and bright flashes tend to scare off bears.
Rules Around Firearms In Svalbard
Carrying firearms is banned inside Longyearbyen, the capital, especially in shops and public buildings. The Svalbard Governor's Office confirmed in 2024 that while a formal gun licence isn't legally required, residents must take some form of self-protection seriously due to the ever-present wildlife threat.
The Threat Of Polar Bears
Residents must apply to the Governor's Office to obtain permission to carry guns, which is only granted after a licensing process. Cecilia shared another viral story about Anne Mariette, the station manager of Isfjord Radio Station, who witnessed a polar bear break into the wine storage. The bear was seen climbing out of a small window, leaving red wine stains behind, a vivid reminder of how clever and unpredictable these Arctic predators can be.
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