Three hunters have sparked outrage both online and amongst the indigenous Mi’kmaq people of Nova Scotia by killing a rare albino moose that is considered sacred. The three unnamed hunters were unaware of the animal’s spiritual significance when they killed it in the Cape Breton Highlands of Nova Scotia, Canada. It was only after photos caused a backlash on Facebook (which have since been taken down) that the trio realized the gravity of their mistake.

The Mi’kmaq people consider all white animals to be “spirit” animals and have known about the moose for years, but refrained from harming it due to its significance within the community. Clifford Paul, moose management co-ordinator for the Unamaki Institute of Natural Resources highlighted what the animals mean to the aboriginal people when he spoke with CBC:

“We know the significance and…