More of this Feature • Part 1: If I Could Walk with the Animals... • Part 2: Plan Your Llama Trek

Related Resources • Massachusetts Family Fun • Central Massachusetts Attractions • Central Massachusetts Dining • B&Bs in Central Massachusetts • Free New England Newsletter

From Other Guides • Llamas as Pets • Walking with Llamas

Elsewhere on the Web • Pinetum Farm Llamas • Llama FAQ

· Llamas are members of the camelid, or camel, family.

· Camelids first appeared on the Central Plains of North America about 40 million years ago. About 3 million years ago, llamas' ancestors migrated to South America.

· Llamas were first domesticated and used as pack animals 4,000 to 5,000 years ago by Indians in the Peruvian highlands.

· Llamas are hardy and well suited to harsh environments.

· Llamas are smart and easy to train.

· Llamas weigh 280 to 450 pounds and can carry about a quarter of their body weight, so a 400-pound male llama can carry about 100 pounds on a trek of 10 to 12 miles with no problem.

· Llamas are vegetarians and have efficient digestive systems.

· Llamas live to be about 20 years old.

· Llamas are social animals and prefer to live with other llamas or herd animals.

· Llamas don't bite. They spit when they're agitated, but that's mostly at each other.

· The current population of llamas and alpacas in South America is estimated to be about 7 million, and there are about 20,000-25,000 llamas and 800-1,000 alpacas in the U.S. and Canada today.

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