While Dire Wolves Make a Comeback, These Illinois Animals Are Long Gone

Illinois has seen some wild things over the years—tornadoes, deep-dish pizza debates, and now, apparently, the resurrection of the ancient predators. With all the buzz about Dire Wolves making a comeback, it's a good time to look at the animals Illinois used to have... and where they went.

Dire Wolves Are Back—Meanwhile, Illinois Lost a Parrot

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The internet is buzzing over the return of the Dire Wolf, thanks to some cutting-edge science that sounds like it was ripped from the pages of a sci-fi novel. They've been extinct for thousands of years, but researchers are working on bringing them back.

All this Dire Wolf news got me thinking—what animals did Illinois used to have, and where did they go? As it turns out, our state once had some incredible wildlife roaming the land, and not all of them made it to modern times.

Extinct in the Truest Sense

These animals aren't just gone from Illinois—they're gone from everywhere.

Passenger Pigeon

Once one of the most abundant birds in North America, they flew in massive flocks that could block out the sun. But by 1914, they were completely gone.

Carolina Parakeet

Believe it or not, Illinois was once home to a species of parrot. Bright, loud, and now extinct since the early 1900s. It's strange to think about tropical-looking birds fluttering through our forests, but they were here.

Extirpated from Illinois

The animals still exist in other places—but not here. At least not regularly.

American Bison

They once roamed the prairies of Illinois. Now, unless you're at a wildlife preserve ot themed burger joint, they're hard to find.

Gray Wolf

Once a top predator in Illinois, wolves were pushed out by the 1800s. Occasionally one wanders through, but they're not here to stay.

Mountain Lion

Also known as cougars or pumas, they were native to Illinois. Sightings still happen, but they're rare—and usually just passing through.

Black Bear

These used to live in Illinois woodlands but were gone by the mid-1800s. Occasionally, one comes over the state line for a visit, but it's not common.

Will Anything Make a Comeback Here?

If the Dire Wolf can claw its way back from extinction, maybe there's hope for some of Illinois' lost wildlife. Until then, we'll keep appreciating the wild animals we do have—and maybe give a little extra love to the birds that are still hanging around.

Want a closer look at Illinois wildlife? Book a day pass or plan a visit to one of our local nature preserves. No Dire Wolves (yet), but plenty of native species worth seeing.

KEEP READING: Illinois Has 9 Different State Animals, Can You Name Them?