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Dire Wolf vs Gray Wolf: They ruled the Ice Age. They inspired Game of Thrones. And now, they’re back well, sort of. Meet the dire wolf, a prehistoric predator that once walked North America and disappeared around 12,500 years ago. Thanks to modern science, this extinct beast is getting a second chance.

How Did They Come Back?

Scientists at Colossal Biosciences, a biotech company based in Dallas, used a mix of ancient DNA, cloning, and gene editing to bring back traits of the dire wolf. They started with a gray wolf — its closest living relative — and made over 20 changes in 14 different genes. The result? Three pups named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi — are now being called the “world’s first successfully de-extincted animals.”

So, What’s the Difference?
Even though dire wolves looked a lot like gray wolves, here’s how they were different:

1. Size and Strength
Dire wolves were noticeably bigger than gray wolves. They had stronger shoulders, more powerful legs, and larger jaws—making them perfect for hunting big animals.

2. Skull and Brain
Their skulls were larger and heavier, but their brains were actually smaller. This means they relied more on brute strength than smarts.

3. Body Structure
They had sturdy legs and a wide head, giving them a strong and intimidating look. Some scientists say they were likely light-colored, with “nearly-white coats”—which matches the new pups born in the lab.

4. No Interbreeding
Unlike gray wolves, which can breed with other canines like dogs or jackals, dire wolves have a unique genetic line. Scientists say there’s “no current data showing interbreeding between dire wolves and other canids.”

A New Chapter Begins
This isn’t just a cool science story, it’s history in the making. Bringing back a creature from the Ice Age shows how far genetics has come. And with pups like Romulus and Khaleesi already here, who knows what’s next?

ALSO READ: Dire Wolves Resurrected? Scientists Bring Game Of Thrones’ Iconic Predator Back After 10,000 Years

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