Iqaluit (Jun 26/06) - Six muskoxen have apparently died meaninglessly near Cambridge Bay.

Four adults, one calf and one two-year-old muskox were shot last week and left to decompose.

Six muskox were slaughtered and left to rot last week. The community's conservation officer has launched an investigation. photo courtesy of Derrick Anderson -

A concerned resident reported the carnage to conservation officer Shane Sather on June 15.

Upon inspection, Sather estimated that the animals, found in the Augustus Hills several kilometres west of the community, had been dead for a day or two.

Salvaging meat was no longer an option, according to Sather.

"There's nothing you can do with them," he said.

He has opened an investigation. The slayer, if caught, could face charges of meat wastage under the Wildlife Act.

Jacques Larabie, manager of the hunters and trappers organization in Cambridge Bay, said his members are aware of the incident and are willing to co-operate with the authorities.

"If we're requested to help in any way shape or form, we'll comply," said Larabie.

He added that such callous wildlife killings are not common in the area. However, an incident of this nature may spur discussion of whether hunting workshops are needed to help ensure proper skills and principles are passed on, he suggested.