Alpacas

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The Alpaca's scientific name is Vicugna pacos. Alpaca is a domesticated camel-like creature from South America. Alpaca is a close kin to the Llama. Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia and Chile are its native regions. Alpacas graze amongst other Alpacas on mountaintops that reach 5,000 meters above the sea. Alpacas do this year-round. Llamas are different than Alpacas because Llamas are used to work, and Alpacas, a little smaller, are used just for their fiber. There is a booming Alpaca fiber and accessories market.

The Alpaca fur coat is used for hand-crafted items from South American countries. Just like Sheep's wool, the Alpaca wool is very useful to Native American villagers. They use them to make toys, gifts, necessities, and textiles like covers, shirts, hats, and elaborate ponchos. Even undergarments and various household items are constructed, or overlaid, with Alpaca wool. There are between 12 and 52 Alpaca fur colors. Llamas have curved ears, bigger bodies, and more household work duties.

Alpacas have been kept as pets for several thousand years. Alpacas do not exist outside of human ownership. The Vicuna are wild, but they're a separate group. The Alpaca is a bit heftier than the aforementioned species. Alpacas have a lot of fine, quality fur, and they're also eaten. They're bred for food and fiber, primarily. Llamas breed with Alpacas to create Huarizo. These creatures are sweet, softly-textured, and gentle. They're kept as pets oftentimes. Alpaca smuggling is a problem because it was granted protected status. Therefore, Alpaca meat is a highly sought commodity.

The Alpaca is a herd animal. They're docile, curious, smart, and stately animals. Alpacas are reserved and scared if they feel a threat because they're an animal of prey. They don't like approaching strangers or people approaching from behind. They might dislike unfamiliar Alpacas that happen upon the farm. Alpacas make biting, loud inhalations to warn the herd of possible threats. They spit, kick, and jump on little predators. Alpacas have something like hooves, but they're padded to protect against harsh blows. Their nails, however, can create deep cuts. The Alpaca also spits by shooting projectiles out that are mixtures of spit, green grass, and other items that are aimed at a target. If a human, for example, grabs the Alpaca's food away, the Alpaca will spit on it. Some Alpacas will spit if they're just stared at. There is a group leader in the herd as well as a runt that everyone bothers.

The Alpaca rarely lets itself be stroked or caressed until they feel safe around the owner. They dislike groping and grabbing. Do not pet their stomachs and legs because Alpacas don't like it. Generally, when they're well-socialized, they will tolerate lots of petting. To stop or restrain the Alpaca, just grab its neck with both arms in a firm grip. Don't choke the animal, however. The Alpacas naturally poop in a common area that they all recognize. Females poop in unison, and the males are cleaner. Some Alpacas can live indoors because the Alpacas relieve themselves in massive communal piles.

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