The British Columbia government is facing renewed opposition to its controversial wolf cull program after the Gitxsan First Nation captured footage of a ‘Judas’ wolf on their territory. These wolves are fitted with collars to allow government authorities to track and locate the rest of the pack. Upon locating the pack, these wolves are then targeted and killed, often by snipers or helicopters, under the premise of protecting threatened caribou herds. This practice has sparked significant debate regarding wildlife management and indigenous rights.

Opponents to the cull, including Ian McAllister of Pacific Wild, argue that this method of tracking wolves is harmful and unethical. The presence of the Judas wolf not only signifies the tracking and culling process but raises concerns about the ecological impact and the rights of the Gitxsan First Nation over their ancestral lands. The Allied Clans Coalition, representing the Gitxsan Titleholders, has formally expressed their opposition to the culling program through a letter to the provincial minister, emphasizing the need for respect and consultation with indigenous communities regarding wildlife management practices in their territories.

The culling program has been in place for nearly a decade and has reportedly resulted in the death of hundreds of wolves each winter. While proponents of the cull claim it is necessary for the survival of caribou, the Gitxsan First Nation's involvement in this debate highlights a broader conflict between conservation efforts, indigenous rights, and animal welfare. The situation remains tense as the First Nation seeks to assert its voice in resource management decisions affecting its territory and wildlife.