Llamas (Lama glama) are members of the Camelid family-cousins to the one-humped and two-humped camel. Llamas typically weigh anywhere from 250 to 500 pounds and walk at an average pace of 2 miles per hour. Llamas can usually carry around 65 pounds for long trips, but are capable of carrying up to 25% of their body weight. Their soft, padded feet allow them to go through a variety of terrain with ease and also take less of a toll on our hiking trails than horses and mules.
Llamas are not strict grazers, but are considered browsers. They will chew on a tree or a bush as well as any grass they come across the trail. They have a very efficient digestive system that allows them to extract more nutrients from the food. Treats are encouraged, as any animal trainer would recommend, especially as a reward for good behavior and a hard day’s work.
Their eye placement allows them to see both in front and behind them, which is a plus for predator detection, but it does make them a bit head shy. Llamas do enjoy a good petting, but they prefer to be pet on their necks or backs. As with any large animal, a calm, quiet and consistent demeanor is best when working with them.
And, as far as the thing you really want to know about: yes, they do spit, but its generally at each other-not at people. Llamas are social herd animals and there is a social ranking for dominance. However, a llama’s position on the social ladder is always subject to change, and spitting is often used as a control method within the herd. It is possible to get in the crossfire, but most spitting episodes are feuds over food, when another llama touches them uninvited, or if they feel threatened (think of small children on a road trip, sharing the backseat). Rest assured that well-trained, properly-packed llamas can be one of the most enjoyable companions in the backcountry.