What do you do when you’re walking in the middle of the Arctic, the shotgun you bought on the Russian black market won’t fire, and a couple of ski poles is the only thing between you and a stalking polar bear? Listen to this harrowing story told by polar explorer and TED talker Ben Saunders.

Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture.... More by Francis Xavier