The Eskimo curlew once migrated from Alaska to Argentina. Its population is estimated to have been in the millions. The probable cause of its extinction began with the Westward Expansion in the United States. As the human population on the Great Plains went up, so did the hunts of this migratory shorebird. It is estimated that as many as 2 million Eskimo curlews were killed in the late 1800’s. As their numbers dwindled, the population of curlews became fragmented throughout its large migration route. The last confirmed photo of an Eskimo curlew was taken in 1962 in Galveston, Texas. One year later, a specimen was found in Barbados. Since then numerous unconfirmed sightings have been made in many places throughout the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Guatemala. It is possible that a small flock of 21 Eskimo curlew were seen in Texas in 1981, but that report was also unconfirmed. The Eskimo curlew is most likely extinct though still listed as "critically endangered” in most places. Although Jurassic Park is fiction, scientists are working on several de-extinction projects. In fact, in 2003 scientists did bring back the extinct Pyrenean ibex, a type of wild goat, for 7 minutes before it died, showing de-extinction is possible. The Eskimo curlew could be a candidate. Scientists would potentially use DNA from one of the 400 known specimens found in museums around the world. With a specimen as recently as 1963 found in Barbados, it may be possible to bring back this unique curlew species. The United States has made many strides in protecting endangered species through many initiatives like the US Endangered Species Act of 1972. Since 1972, many species including the California condor, American bison, bald eagle, black-footed ferret, and grizzly bear have been saved from risk of extinction. If the Eskimo curlew was brought back to life, would it be able to survive throughout its long migration route?