Llama Mia! 10 Fun Facts about Llamas

Llamas are highly social mammals that range in the Andes Mountains of Latin America. Celebrate National Llama Day (December 9) with some surprising facts about these South American camelids.

December 09, 2021

By: Tatum Lenberg

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Llamas are smart.

Llamas are able to learn to understand and perform basic tasks. Scientists even taught llamas how to use a mirror!

A llama's lifespan is 20 years.

Although some llamas can live up to 30 years.

Llamas are very social.

Llamas live in herds, and will even 'adopt' groups of sheep or goats as their own herd. They protect their herds by chasing off predators like coyotes.

Llamas can grow as much as 6 feet tall.

Though, the average llamas is between 5'6"-5'9" tall.

Llamas can hum.

Humming is one of the ways llamas communicate.

Llamas are used as therapy animals.

Like dogs, llamas can be trained as therapy animals to work in hospitals and schools. Many say llamas have a "soothing aura."

Yarn made from llama fiber is extremely versatile.

Llama fur is very soft and warm, yet lightweight. Their soft undercoat is used for fine fleece in clothing and baby blankets, while their courser outer coat is used for rugs and rope.

Llamas can shoot green spit up to 10 feet away.

Although they seldom spit at humans (unlike their camel cousins), llamas will spit to establish pecking order within the herd. Their spit is sometimes green as a result of undigested food.