"It's a wait and see situation," Nielsen said.

Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans halted the effort to reunify the whale with its family pod until it can reach an agreement with the natives.

The whale has become the focus of a circus-like tug-of-war between the scientists, who were using a boat to lure Luna to a pen, and members of the Mowachaht-Muchalaht Indians, who used canoes to lure the animal in the other direction.

Scientists have cited the whale's attraction to boats and float planes as the reason it needed to be relocated to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, where its pod spends the summer.

The population of killer whales on the U.S.-Canada border is endangered and it is hoped the return of a young breeding male would help ensure their survival.

The whale was accidentally separated from its pod in 2001 and has been living alone in Nootka Sound. Experts believe the 1.8 ton whale is lonely and they worry it will be hurt or killed by a collision with a boat as it seeks human companionship.

The Mowachaht-Muchalaht natives believe the whale carries the spirit of a band chief who died a week before the animal arrived in their traditional territory. He had said he would return as a killer whale.

The natives want the whale left where it is, but say if it does have to be relocated it should be led down the ocean coast by canoe. The Strait of Juan de Fuca is about 200 km (130 miles) south of Nootka Sound.

Fisheries' officials said the native's plan was unworkable and want to use a specially equipped truck to carry the whale to the reunification area east of Victoria.

Officials suspended the capture effort on Thursday over concern the battle for the whale's attention was making it more comfortable with people. Department officials planned to meet with native leaders next week.