Dire Wolf Attack Sparks Concerns Over De-Extinction Ethics

April 12, 2025 — A recent incident involving one of the genetically engineered "dire wolves" has reignited debates over the ethics and risks of de-extinction science. On Friday, a reported attack by one of Colossal Biosciences' genetically modified wolf pups left a wildlife handler injured during a routine feeding session at the company’s undisclosed northern U.S. facility. The handler, whose injuries are not life-threatening, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The wolf involved in the attack was identified as Romulus, one of three pups unveiled by Colossal earlier this week as part of their groundbreaking effort to "resurrect" the extinct dire wolf species. While the company claims the animals are functional replicas of Aenocyon dirus, critics argue that they are merely gray wolves with genetic modifications designed to mimic some traits of their prehistoric counterparts.

A Controversial Revival

Colossal Biosciences announced the birth of Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi on April 7, touting them as the first successful example of de-extinction. Using ancient DNA extracted from fossils and advanced gene-editing techniques, scientists modified gray wolf embryos to incorporate 20 genes associated with dire wolves. The pups exhibit physical traits such as larger size and thicker coats but remain genetically closer to gray wolves than true dire wolves.

While Colossal has hailed the project as a scientific milestone, experts have raised concerns about its implications. Nic Rawlence, a paleogenetics expert from New Zealand, criticized the effort as "genetic mimicry" rather than true de-extinction. "These animals are not dire wolves," he stated earlier this week. "They are modified gray wolves with some superficial similarities."

Safety and Ecological Concerns

Friday's attack has intensified scrutiny on Colossal's practices and the broader risks associated with reviving extinct species. The company has housed the pups on a private 2,000-acre site under strict supervision, but questions remain about whether these animals could pose a threat if released into the wild or if containment protocols fail.

Environmentalists have also expressed concerns about introducing such predators into ecosystems that have evolved without them for thousands of years. Dire wolves were apex predators during the Ice Age, preying on large mammals such as bison and horses. However, modern ecosystems may not support such large carnivores, potentially leading to conflicts with existing wildlife and humans.

Ethical Dilemmas

The incident has also reignited ethical debates surrounding de-extinction science. Critics argue that resources spent on reviving extinct species could be better allocated toward conserving endangered species currently at risk of extinction. Others question whether humans should interfere with nature in such profound ways.

Beth Shapiro, Colossal’s chief scientific officer, defended the project earlier this week, describing it as an opportunity to learn more about extinct species and their ecosystems. "We are producing functional replicas of something that once existed," she said.

Future Implications

Colossal has not yet commented on Friday's attack but is expected to release a statement addressing safety measures at its facility. Meanwhile, lawmakers and environmental groups are calling for stricter regulations on de-extinction projects to ensure public safety and ecological balance.

As humanity ventures further into de-extinction science, incidents like this serve as stark reminders of the challenges—and potential dangers—of bringing the past back to life.