Llamas are the working class of South American camelids. As pack animals, they can carry up to one third of their weight. Because of their low environmental impact, llamas are the companion choice of hikers in many areas. Their protective instincts and alert nature make llamas reliable guard animals for sheep and goat herds as well as other livestock. They have been known to attack coyotes or dogs who threaten the flock, even going so far as to herd the flock to safety during a snowstorm.
