Dire wolves are a type of canine, native to the Americas. They are known for being quite large and strong mammals for their time. They were larger than modern gray wolves, and had larger skulls and teeth. The dire wolves went extinct approximately 10,000 years ago, but it was recently revealed this year by the biotechnology company, Colossal Biosciences, that they have managed to bring the canine species back, or at the very least, a type of wolf that is relatively close to the dire wolves genetically. 

So far, it is known that they have managed to successfully de-extinct three dire wolves. Two male wolves that were born on October 1st, 2024, and one female wolf that was born on January 30th, 2025. Although it seems insane to bring an animal back from extinction, the reality of the matter is much more complex. The dire wolves that were brought back today are not 100% genetically identical to the dire wolves that went extinct over 10,000 years ago. Scientists went through the process of genetically editing the modern gray wolves, additionally using DNA of the original dire wolves from their fossils. This was possible because dire wolves and gray wolves shared 99.5% of their DNA. Based on the phenotype of today’s dire wolves, they are also similar to the extinct species in that sense. The dire wolves that were brought back are not exactly the same as the species that went extinct, but they do share similar traits to the extinct dire wolves. Although surrogate dogs were the ones that birthed these dire wolves, the dire wolves exhibit clear wolf behavior. It was revealed that they started howling at two weeks old and also started hunting leaves or anything that moved. When humans were interacting with the wolves, it was noted that the dire wolves were much more skittish than modern gray wolves, but scientists expect to see more of their behavior as they grow up.

The purpose of Colossal Biosciences is to bring back extinct species which comes with some potential benefits including improving the ecosystem and helping to fight global warming. The goal of bringing back dire wolves was for them to eventually play a role in the ecosystem. Additionally, knowing that bringing back an extinct species is actually possible creates many opportunities for protecting endangered species. With advanced technology, there is potential in preventing endangered species from going extinct, further protecting many more species and also the ecosystem.

In an interview with Saugus High School student Hermela Berhane, she was asked about her thoughts of resurrecting an extinct species; “It’s interesting since it’s a new form of technology, but it seems dangerous since wild animals can be unpredictable. It could also be very expensive.” Berhane expresses her concerns with bringing back an originally extinct species and how this may have an effect on the ecosystem today, but also the future. With technology so advanced, it is not far-fetched that with also bringing back a species from extinction, scientists may also soon be able to evolve certain species or even create entirely new ones. This raises the question of whether this is harmful to the environment by intentionally incorporating change, or if this is a natural step of evolution that comes with time.