Comments on: Fierce, Territorial Llamas Act as Bouncers for a Wildlife Refuge

By: Tom K

Tom K — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:52:45 +0000

Just so the misconception doesn’t continue spreading – llamas spitting at humans is not a common occurrence, except from llamas who have behavior problems. Often, these behavior problems are the end result of how the humans interacted with the llamas while raising the llamas. I’d encourage anyone thinking about using llamas as livestock guard animals to first read a book about llama behavior and handling, rather than jumping in feet first and attempting to learn as you go. This is especially important when raising an intact male llama. But, as stated by the previous two posters, they are wonderful guard animals. I ignore dogs barking at night, but never ignore llama’s “alarm calls.” They are amazingly patient with other animals and are very careful around all our baby goats.

By: LlamaLill

LlamaLill — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 23:19:01 +0000

As an employee of Boulder CO’s Rocky Mountain Llamas ranch (and equipment/supplies catalog), I wholeheartedly confirm Kristen’s post! Llamas have worked with humans as “beasts of burden” for over 6000 years, but their livestock guarding abilities have often been overlooked. A good llama guardian will move the animals under its care–generally sheep or goats, but sometimes even chickens, horses or cattle–to a safe place; then take position at the front of the herd to protect them. This guardian may emit a loud, whinny- or bleat-like sound we term the “alarm call.” They’ll charge the intruder, chase, and may rear up and stomp down. Highly effective against predators such as coyotes and foxes; but if mountain lions or bears are the problem, one would do better to bring the herd into safe shelter at night, provide appropriate fencing, and maybe even get a livestock guardian dog… or a few (Great Pyrenees, Akbash, Komondor, etc.).

By: Kristen

Kristen — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:10:29 +0000

Here in Boulder, Colorado, the owner of Rocky Mountain Llamas recommends placing llamas with flocks of sheep to serve as “guard dogs.” As well, llamas on her ranch protect themselves quite nicely from curious coyotes and the like by being even curioser (they will approach and investigate anything that is unique or new to them).