Interesting facts about the extinct giant wolf that has just been reborn

As Dan Tri reported, scientists at the biotechnology company Colossal Biosciences (USA) have successfully created three giant wolf cubs using ancient DNA and cloning technology, combined with genetic modification of the gray wolf, the closest relative of the giant wolf.

The basic result of this process is to create a hybrid species that looks similar to its extinct ancestors.

The howling of giant wolf cubs that have just been born ( Video : Colossal).

The dire wolf, also known as the giant wolf, with the scientific name Aenocyon dirus, was one of the largest carnivores of the canid family that ever lived. It was found mainly in North America, from Canada to Mexico, between 250,000 and 12,500 years ago.

Here are some interesting facts about wolves that were fearsome predators during the ice age more than 11,000 years ago.

Giant wolves once competed for prey with saber-toothed tigers.

Scientists have discovered fossils of giant wolves mixed with those of saber-toothed tigers (genus Smilodon), suggesting that the two animals shared habitats and competed for prey.

Interesting facts about the extinct giant wolf that has just been reborn - 1

Giant wolves have had clashes with saber-toothed tigers to compete for prey (Illustration: Wiki).

It is possible that giant wolves and saber-toothed tigers had to fight each other for prey or even eat each other.

The Great Predators

Fossils showing the bone structure and teeth of giant wolves suggest they were skilled predators, with large canines that allowed them to easily cut through flesh and tear apart their prey.

Scientists say the giant wolf is a pack hunter. Its teeth are strong enough to crush the bones of its prey, thereby eating the marrow inside the bones to increase the nutrition of each meal.

The giant wolf is 25% larger than the North American wolf.

The giant wolf is the largest canid ever recorded. It can grow up to 1.8m in length, weigh between 55 and 80kg, and can rarely reach 100kg. It is a large wolf with a muscular body, large bones, a large head, and wide, extremely strong jaws.

Interesting things about the extinct giant wolf that has just been reborn - 2

Size comparison of the giant wolf (right) and the North American wolf (left) with the same size as an adult human (Photo: Colossal).

Male giant wolves are about the same size as females, but males often possess larger canines, which increase their attractiveness during mating season.

The giant wolf was larger than all modern dogs and 25% larger than the North American wolf, its closest relative.

The cause of extinction may be human

Humans were around long before the start of the Last Ice Age, which lasted from 26,500 to 11,500 years ago. So the possibility of a clash between humans and giant wolves is certainly possible.

Interesting things about the extinct giant wolf that has just been reborn - 3

Giant wolves were fearsome predators, but may have become extinct due to food shortages (Photo: iStock).

Scientists have not yet been able to determine the reason for the giant wolf's extinction, but two hypotheses have been put forward: this animal was hunted excessively by humans leading to extinction or because its favorite prey gradually disappeared (possibly due to human hunting), causing them to starve and gradually become extinct.