Alpacas are related to llamas and camels, but much smaller.  They are about 36" tall at the withers and weigh about 150 pounds.  Alpacas are significantly smaller than llamas.  They have shaggy coats, and faces that look like camels.

Alpacas are native to South America.  They typically live high up in the mountains.  Their long coats keeps them warm, and their blood is specially adapted to high altitudes.

Alpacas are used as pack animals, guard animals, and for meat.  Their fiber is used for sweaters, rugs and rope.

Alpacas were a cherished treasure of the ancient Incan civilization and played a central role in the Incan culture that was located on the high Andean Plateau and mountains of South America.

Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984. Alpacas are now being successfully raised and enjoyed throughout North America and abroad. There are two types of alpacas - the Huacaya and the Suri.