Both biologists and psychologists alike will choose an attribute of a living thing, then study this area in great detail. 

 ‘Wilsonian Spite’ theory in animals, comes from studies of species behaving in spiteful ways, to support their own growth. Animals will kill to provide resources for those who share their genes.

The ‘Hamiltonian Spite’ theory suggests, not only will they kill to support their own, but they will also specifically target and kill those who are genetically different, even those simply distant.

Humans being top of the food chain are in a position to inflict damage to others at little cost to themselves. Unfortunately, this can have tragic consequences when another form of spite comes out to play, the humankind.  (1,2)

Saving Grace For Sacred Moose

A group of poachers in Timmins, Ontario Canada appear to have killed a protected white moose in cold blood. To set the fur flying even further they took the animal and dumped its body in its entirety, at the side of a road.

Typically, hunters will capture the head of the animal as a trophy, but in this case, the head of the white moose was left discarded along with the rest of its body, leading to speculation that the majestic creature may have been killed accidentally. The question still is: was the white moose murdered in spite of the latest laws, or can there still be saving grace in its memory?

Laws Of The Indigenous

The white moose have recently gained legal protections in this region of Canada, which remains the only area to have such protections. It is estimated that there are only 30 white moose in the area, and on top of this, the local indigenous population believes the animal gives good luck.
The outpouring of grief and outrage is understandable as prevailing rules seem to have been flaunted.

A member of the Flying Post First Nation, Troy Woodhouse, said that if you see a spirit moose in person you realize ‘how much of a sacred animal it is and rare and majestic to see’. He has put up a $1000 CAD reward for any information leading to the hunters’ arrest, or for them to turn themselves in. (4)

A total reward now stands at $8,000 CAD for arrest following contributions from an animal welfare group and a local drilling company.

It seems that some humans want to help the sacred gene-pool prevail. Woodhouse added: ‘Maybe hunters tried to get one moose and got the other by accident. If a person does come forward and admit what they did, I would put my portion towards any of their legal fees.’ (3)

The incident is currently being investigated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and it appears the hunters have a second chance to do the right thing.

History Of White Moose Heroes