Look Out For Llamas!

Introduction

In recent years, Llamas have become more and more popular on Ontario farms and even as exotic pets. With this surge in popularity, it has been inevitable that some llamas would escape, or wander away from their homes. For the most part, these 'wild' llamas pose no threat to the general public. They are herd animals and tend to try and flee when confronted by a perceived predator (human).

The Danger

There is one species of llama, however, which can pose a threat to humans: Llamadae aquapugis - the Aquatic Fighting Llama. In the wild, individuals of this species will seek out for themselves a body of water such as a small lake or even a large pond. In the case of a lake, they may 'claim' a smaller section, such as a bay or river inlet; in a pond they tend to 'claim' the entire body of water. Llamadae aquapugis is a strong swimmer, and very territorial. This combination has led them to be a threat to canoeists and swimmers especially.

When spotting a perceived violation of its territory, Llamadae aquapugis will almost fully submerge itself, keeping only its eyes and nostrils above water, and swim in behind the offender. It then can lunge up partially out of the water, and attack with its head and teeth. Stronger specimens can sometimes surge upwards enough to get their forelegs into the initial attack. The llama can head-butt with significant force, and its jaws are strong enough to bite through a 1-inch diameter wood dowel.

If Attacked

Should you find yourself being attacked by an Aquatic Fighting Llama, your best defence is noise. Llamas are sensitive creatures and dislike loud, jarring sounds. If you are in a canoe, try to paddle away quickly while making noise. Do not try to strike the llama with your paddles, as your motions are more likely to tip you out of the canoe. If you are in the water, try swimming as fast as you can, while shouting or shrieking. Do not attempt to fight the llama, it is much stronger and can drag you under and hold you down with its fore-legs.

Preventative Measures

To avoid a confrontation, several steps may be taken. Llamadae aquapugis usually rests along the sunny edge of its territory. Before entering a body of water, scan the shoreline for the llama. It may be out sunning itself on the beach, or laying partially submerged, keeping watch over its territory.

As previously noted, loud jarring sounds may spook Llamadae aquapugis, so if a llama is suspected, or seen, you may still make use of the body of water, by making random loud sudden sounds. If a llama is present, it may follow or keep an eye on you, but should keep its distance due to the noise.

Of course, the most effective way to avoid a clash with Llamadae aquapugis, is to simply stay out of its territory. However, as these escaped llamas breed and spread, this may become more difficult in the future.

Timing also plays a factor. The Aquatic Fighting Llama is most territorial, and therefore most dangerous, from late spring until autumn. In early spring, immediately after their winter hibernation ends, they will seek out another Llamadae aquapugis to mate. For the males, this is the only time this solitary species will tolerate sharing its water with another. Females will share their pond or lake with their single offspring for the first year, after which the offspring will be chased away to seek out its own territory. A female with calf is perhaps the most dangerous Llamadae aquapugis, and should be avoided at all costs.

Affected Regions

In the past decade, Llamadae aquapugis has spread from a few isolated cases, to becoming a more common problem. Initial sightings were confined to Simcoe Region, but have spread northwards to Muskoka and recently several encounters have been reported in and around Algonquin Provincial Park. It is speculated that the recent trend towards warmer winters is allowing Llamadae aquapugis to increase its range northwards.

Predictions

Llamadae aquapugis has no natural predators here in Ontario. With the exception of winter hibernation, it spends almost all of its time in or near water. This affords it easy escape from would-be predators such as wolves, which are one of the few native species large enough to prey on a llama. While in winter hibernation, is the only time that Llamadae aquapugis is vulnerable.

As a result of this lack of predation, it is expected that the Aquatic Fighting Llama will continue to spread through Ontario's northern lakes and ponds. The limits on their southern expansion are the noises and sounds of civilization. The northern limit is the length of winter: Llamadae aquapugis cannot hibernate as long as our native species, and therefore can not overwinter too far north. Currently, no llama sightings have been reported north of the 47th parallel.

Resources

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