An alpaca with an exceptionally woolly coat, this particular type belongs to the Vicugna pacos species, which is domesticated and primarily bred for its fleece. Alpacas are native to the Andean regions of South America, particularly Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile. They thrive in high-altitude environments and are closely related to llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Unlike llamas, which are often used as pack animals, alpacas are primarily raised for their fine wool, which is softer, warmer, and hypoallergenic compared to sheep’s wool. They are typically shorn once a year, usually in spring, to keep them comfortable during warmer months. Their fleece comes in a variety of natural colours, including white, brown, black, and grey. Although the fleece covering its eyes might slightly affect their vision, alpacas rely more on their hearing and sense of smell. Alpacas are herbivores and primarily graze on grass and hay, and have a three-chambered stomach, which helps them efficiently digest fibrous plant material. Known for their gentle and social nature, they are usually kept in herds and communicate using a variety of sounds, including soft humming. If they feel threatened or annoyed, they might spit, but this behaviour is more common in their wild relatives, the llamas.