There are multiple explanations for why some people report sightings of extinct species. First, some of these reports may be misidentifications of known animals that closely resemble extinct ones. Others may be hoaxes or pranks conducted by individuals interested in generating media attention or excitement.

Another possibility is that some extinct species could have persisted in small and isolated populations undetected by scientific surveys or documentation. However, this scenario is rather unlikely as many extinct species went extinct due to significant biological or environmental changes, making their rediscovery less probable.

In certain cases, extinct species might be confused with rare and elusive living species that happen to have similar characteristics. Misinterpreting sightings of such reclusive or little-known creatures can generate the impression that extinct species have returned from the dead.

Moreover, human imagination, creativity, and cultural narratives regarding ancient species can lead to subjective, distorted, or inaccurate interpretations of certain animal behavior or sightings.