Guard LLamas

Guard LLamas

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Guard dogs for your livestock? Maybe not. I have a friend over in Oregon who runs an organic farm. I went to visit him not long ago and there, in the middle of his little spread, was a llama. I knew my buddy had seriously changed his lifestyle but a llama? And oh by the way, there were tons of chickens just running around. His explanation for the llama... guards the chickens from coyotes, snakes, you name it. Listen to Ken Kalish who owns Park Rapids farm and lots of llamas...guard llamas that is. He was standing next to one. "He is without a doubt, the bravest llama that I have ever seen. Llamas are well equipped with offensive weapons. They have a trick they play. They will approach a predator as though they are curious, as though they want to smell it. Once they get close enough to strike, then they strike. In the case of coyotes, wolves and dogs, they will kick upward first to roll the animal over on its back and then they will swipe back in an attempt to disembowel it. They grip with their teeth and while holding the predator in their teeth and a windmill with their front feet and those very sharp nails can tear an animal apart. once a pack, like coyotes or wolves, comes into an area that is guarded by llamas, they won't come back. The first attack is enough."

I just find that fascinating and since Ken staunchly states that they can take on packs of coyotes and wolves, those of you with livestock whether it be sheep or cattle might give lamas a thought.

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