Polar bears killed in Svalbard 1987–1992

A total of 26 polar bears have been killed in Svalbard since January 1987. Fifteen of these cases were self defense, four precautionary measures, six acts of mercy and one unknown. Twelve of the 15 self defense cases occurred in the wilderness; none occurred in populated areas. Most self defence cases involved nonresidents of Svalbard and hence people not familiar with polar bear behaviour and encounters