Do Alpacas Spit at You?
Do alpacas spit at you
Alpacas are not typically known for their aggression and are very peaceful creatures. However, if they feel threatened or stressed by their surroundings they can spit at people and pets.
Spitting is a communication tool that is used to show dominance in the herd. It is a form of pecking order and will also happen when an alpaca feels uncomfortable or threatened by another animal.
In addition to spitting, alpacas also emit different sounds and can cluck, humming, snort, and orgling. Depending on the animal, these sounds can be used as a warning to get away from them quickly.
If you are spotting an alpaca giving warning signs, try to back away from them quickly and be aware that they will also often drool and stomp their feet before they spit.
A good way to tell if an alpaca is preparing to spit is by noticing their ears pull back and their neck stretch up. If they are preparing to spit, it is usually best to be at least 10 feet away from them.
This will give them time to decide if it is their turn to spit or not and also allow you time to move out of the way. They will usually spit when they are feeling threatened or anxious so be sure to pay attention to their body language as well as the sounds they make before you get too close.
When they spit, it is a projectile vomit that is fermented and has an acidic and grassy smell. It does not taste very pleasant and can even cause an allergic reaction.
The worst part is that it can sometimes get in your eyes, especially if you are wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses! If you do get something in your eyes from an alpaca, it is important to rinse it out with water and call your doctor.
You should never spit at an alpaca or any other animal that is pregnant as this can be dangerous for the baby. This is why breeders will usually put a sign on the door of their herd saying, “Spit off,” to let the males know that they are not going to be able to mate with the pregnant females.
Alpacas spit to keep other animals from getting too close to their food and can also spit at people if they are being threatened or if they feel uncomfortable. The spit they give is actually an incredibly powerful signal that can be heard up to 10 feet away.
It is common for males to spit at other males in the herd, especially when they feel unsure about their dominant position and want to reclaim it. This is not only a form of dominance but it is also an excellent way to deter predators from entering their herd.
Spitting can also be a sign of mating and can indicate that a female alpaca has successfully impregnated her cria (baby). If she is in the process of mating, she will often spit at the male until he leaves.
