Extinction Event
Episodes
Heath Hens: Dancing Devils of the Prairie
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week join us for an electrifying avian extinction dance off! But wait, wasn’t the heath hen just your typical prairie chicken? But wait, nope, ...
Haast's Eagle
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Holy heck how'd we miss this one. This giant New Zealand bird was the biggest eagle to have ever lived! And its extinction is linked to the Giant...
The Lost Laughing Owl Episode
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Truly an awesome New Zealand bird and WOW did we do it justice in what was probably the best Extinction Event episode ever recorded! Then the file got...
Guadalupe Caracara
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As these island dwelling falcons neared extinction many live birds were offered up for sale in San Diego. We go through the historical accounts to try...
Nandi Bear
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Currently classified as a cryptid like Bigfoot, this mysterious East African creature is likely a misidentified large hyena, baboon, or other undocume...
Netflix DVDs
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Somehow we missed the extinction of Netflix DVDs by mail back in 2023. Apologies! Here ya go…Long Live the Red Envelope Era | Farewell to DVDs | Net...
Colossal Dire Wolves
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Colossal Biosciences is in the news again. This time with their 3 new dire wolf pups. Get our hot take on everything plus some solutions on how to imp...
Hanyusuchus Extinct Crocodilian
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A big ol' crocodilian with a slender mouth goes bye bye in South China around 300 years ago. Listen to/watch the Pupfish Song!https://www.youtub...
Bird Flu
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Due to recent egg shortages, frittatas are taking a hard hit. But as the bird flu epidemic continues, poultry are the real casualties, with tens of mi...
Thylacine
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're back with some exciting updates! Our very first Extinction Event episode featured the thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger. And because we love th...
Invasive Parrots
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After the US made its own native parrots go extinct, we found ourselves wishing for those lovable chatterboxes once again. And so we got ‘em. We del...
Invasive Burmese Pythons
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From escaped pets to snake rodeos, the Florida Everglades are a hotbed of bizarre occurrences. And these dwindling wetlands have become a reptile para...
Cape Lion
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The black maned lions that roamed the southern most regions of South Africa, were reportedly so huge that they only preyed on large animals, including...
King Island Emu
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's one of the fastest extinctions we've ever done on the show. An Emu half the size of its mainland brethren on Tasmania and Australia wil...
American Chestnut
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a good chance you’ve never seen an American Chestnut Tree. That’s because they’re functionally extinct. 4 million of these giants were...
Christmas Island Bat
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Christmas Island Pipistrelle was a small bat that would see its life on the cozy tropical island it called home get utterly wrecked and overrun by...
Black-footed ferret
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the black-footed ferret episode. Finally! This week we uncover how North America’s only native ferret species skittered right up to the very ...
Martinique Muskrat
22 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s episode we delve into the odor abundant world of the Martinique muskrat and find out why things get too hot to handle for this stowaw...
Harambe
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We’re baaaack! Season 7 behbeh. On this episode, the life, death, and aftermath of pop culture's beloved Harambe. Get ready to get deep into th...
Indian Cheetah
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Prized for its hunting prowess and beautiful fur, the Indian cheetah served as a hunting companion and pet to Indian rulers for thousands of years. De...
Baiji River Dolphin
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This nearly blind river dolphin that relied almost exclusively on sonar, entered a living hell when motorized boats, along with a host of other messed...
Bad Bass
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Get ready for an epic battle of survival in the heart of Guatemala! The Atitlán Grebe, also known as the “poc” by local Maya, is facing off again...
Fungus
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the magical world of fungus. From the spooky to the trippy, it’s all things fungi on this week’s episode. We talk about fungus outbreak...
P22
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Extinction Event moonlights as a true crime podcast in this cross-genre special episode. It’s nature-meets-murder mystery as we delve into the unsol...
Camel Corps
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Camel Corps was an elite team of Arabian camels used by the American army. These hardy creatures were all set to replace horses and burros as the ...
Xerces Butterfly
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This vibrant blue invertebrate and San Francisco resident that fell victim to the city's development. We’re talking streetcars, sand dunes and ...
Killer Whales
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Killer Whales AKA orcas. They’re not going extinct in the wild, but as captive performers in theme parks and aquariums around the world, that’s an...
California Grizzly Bear
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Admired for their strength and size, our fascination with these bears was endless, until we ended them entirely. Get ready for some mild gore and extr...
Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many believe this stunning bird is already gone. And while it could be declared extinct in the United States in the next couple months, continued sigh...
Exeter Exchange & Formosan Clouded Leopard
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This funky building in London housed an indoor zoo on the second floor. All kinds of exotic animals were on display here, including the now extinct Fo...
Frogs & Toads
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
**TASMANIAN TIGER UPDATE!! Stay tuned to the end for a special thylacine announcement!** The much anticipated frog & toad episode is finally here!...
The Beast of Champawat
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
*Warning: graphic descriptions involving a man-eating tiger.* We’re switching things up this week. For the first time ever Jack tells Melissa a stor...
Western Black Rhino & Man of the Hole
02 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
**Stay tuned after the rhino story for a special Man of the Hole update!** Plus rhinos and their flashy horns! Do they hold magical powers? Will they ...
Lobo
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One super smart wolf in New Mexico protects his pack from hunters and evades the pesky Ernest Thompson Seton.Leave us a message at: speakpipe.com/exti...
Javan Tiger
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Strong and extra stripey, these island dwelling tigers were surprisingly resilient in the face of rapid human expansion. Leave us a message at: speak...
9/11 Hero Dog
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We’re turning the tables this episode and delving into de-extinction! Find out how Trakr, the famous german shepherd who found the last 9/11 survivo...
Giant Monitor Lizard
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Marveling at Australian megafauna. Featuring Megalania, the biggest terrestrial lizard of all time. WARNING: We brutally mispronounce many things and ...
War Pigeons
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The story of Cher Ami and other wartime carrier pigeon heroes. This once widely used form of communication is now extinct. Leave us a message at: spea...
Extinct Herb
26 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Silphium was a highly prized herb in ancient times. Used in the kitchen and the bedroom, this mysterious plant was a must have for Mediterranean cultu...
Megalodon
23 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The biggest shark of all time not only reigned supreme for millions of years, but had the most powerful bite force of any creature ever! So, what happ...
Hitler Beetle
30 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Except for the occasional spelunker, these quiet cave beetles enjoyed a pretty solitary existence. But when the scientific community finally got aroun...
Zanzibar Leopard
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mystical powers permeate the extinction story of these compact island leopards. Despite having coexisted with humans for over 20,000 years, witchy for...
The Mink Of Denmark
12 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Humans usually kill mink for their silky soft fur. Not this time! This time we’re on a mission to save all humanity. Send us a text
Tibbles The Cat
28 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This legendary cat was rumored to have single-handedly wiped an entire species of bird (Lyall Wren) off the face of the Earth. Was this mysterious cre...
Man Of The Hole
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This guy has been surviving by himself in the Amazon Rainforest for over 20 years. When he dies, he will become an endling to his tribe. His people an...
Hawaiian Tree Snail
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Get an intimate peek inside the private life of the world’s most famous snail. Plus, discover how an entire species of yellow-tipped tree snails fal...
Rat Island
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Over 200 years ago a family of shipwrecked rats found refuge on a small Aleutian island. As their colony grew, so did their thirst for the blood of lo...
Colorado Grizzlies
03 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The bears who called the San Juan Mountains their home were hermits who hibernated a lot of the year. The ultimate laid-back neighbors. But when some ...
Dire Wolf
17 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
These yoked woofers ate mastodon for breakfast, but they had a soft side, too. Did these misunderstood pups fall victim to early humans, or were divin...
Saber-Toothed Tiger
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Smilodon was a powerful precision killer with wicked teeth, capable of taking down mammoths. Find out what caused this beast-slayer to kick the bucket...
Rocky Mountain Locust
06 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Special 29th episode celebration! Plus, humans face their greatest foe yet: A ravenous army of insects numbering in the trillions. Send us a text
Irish Elk
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It looks like a hell-spawn, but it's the pride of Irish paleontology. Find out how the species made its final ride to the dark-side. Send us a t...
Pied Raven
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Humans add another bird to the extinction docket: A black and white raven found only in the Faroe Islands.Send us a text
Malagasy Dwarf Hippo & Giant Lemurs of Madagascar
10 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Known locally as the kilopilopitsofy (dwarf hippo), kidoky (sloth lemur), and tretretretre (giant lemur), these mythical creatures of Madagascar weren...
Carolina Parakeet
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The vibrant plumage of this agile bird helped camouflage it in the lush green foliage of its North American home. However, these highly intelligent pa...
Atlas Bear
21 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Africa's only bear was a talented performer that knew a lot of tricks, but avoiding human capture wasn't one of them. *Warning: gore, violen...
Tarpan
02 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Europe's wild horse fights hard for its freedom.Send us a text
Caspian Tiger
12 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Theeeey're GREAT™ to hunt into extinction!Send us a text
Caribbean Monk Seal
20 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Europeans discover Caribbean monk seals. Seconds later they discover how easy they are to kill. Send us a text
Neanderthals
06 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Humans take on their greatest challenge yet: their awkward cousins.Send us a text
Aurochs
22 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The ancestor of modern day domesticated cattle gets removed from the menu.Send us a text
Dodo
07 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The poster child of extinction endured tasteless jokes and relentless bullying from sailors until the bitter end.Send us a text
Pyrenean Ibex
24 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
They could run. They could climb. But, these wild goats couldn't hide from extinction.Send us a text
Tecopa Pupfish
10 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The healing waters the pupfish call home, turn toxic.Send us a text
Barbary Lion
26 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Knife-like retractable claws and unrivaled physical prowess will get you to the top of the food chain, but it won't keep you there. Send us a te...
Smallpox
05 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
After thousands of years of carnage from this tiny predator, humans finally get the upper hand.Send us a text
Mammoth
22 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Uncovering the tragic break up and eventual rekindling of the human-mammoth love affair.Send us a text
Great Auk
17 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Unfortunately, Great Auks made great pillows.Send us a text
Japanese Wolf
03 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
From friend to foe, find out how wolves got wiped off the Japanese archipelago.Send us a text
Giant Moa
21 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand's towering Giant Moa gets cut down to size.Send us a text
Toolache Wallaby
07 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
For Australian farmers, these beautiful marsupials were literally drop dead gorgeous. Send us a text
Mamo Bird
22 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Did native Hawaiians pluck the beautiful Mamo bird into extinction, or were there more sinister powers at play?Send us a text
Steller's Sea Cow
09 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The Russians discover a scrumptious new sea cow in the North PacificSend us a text
American Buffalo
25 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
American frontiersmen go buck wild on the buff.Send us a text
Falkland Islands Wolf
05 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The friendly Falkland Islands Wolves get a rude awakening. Countdown clock: The Helmeted HornbillSend us a text
Giant Galapagos Tortoise
21 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Lonesome George and the Pinta Island giant tortoises. The fate of an entire species rests on the shell of one lonely dude. Send us a text
Giant Ground Sloth
07 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The Giant Ground Sloths razor sharp claws could fend off ice age bullies like sabre tooth tigers, but were totally useless when it came to the annihil...
Passenger Pigeon
24 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
How North America’s favorite all-you-can-eat bird buffet went bankrupt. From stick-poking to stool pigeons, we explore the subtleties of exterminati...
Tasmanian Tiger
08 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Tasmania’s bloodsucking vampire dogs go belly up. Debating the benefits of built in fanny packs, and interior decorating an entire continent. Plus, ...