Alpacas are funny creatures. You’ve probably seen a funny video online of an alpaca spitting on a zoo-goer, but they also scream. What do these screams mean? Is it a simple way to communicate, or does it mean something deeper? This video by Verity Aldous is meant as a joke, with a human voice dubbed over the alpaca, but it left us curious about why alpacas actually scream. That’s right—alpacas scream in real life, too. Read below to learn more about this loud way of communicating.
Alpacas may scream when they are in pain.
©Thomas Devenish/Shutterstock.com
Why Do Alpacas Scream?
Alpacas scream for many different reasons, but these are not necessarily positive reasons. They typically scream as a distress response, and it is not a normal everyday behavior. Alpaca screams are high-pitched and loud, reflecting the fear they are feeling. When one does scream, it is a cause for concern, and handlers are often quick to check on them. One of the most common reasons why an alpaca will scream is out of fear. When threatened by a predator or rough handling, alpacas will scream out in fear to show their panic. Pain or injury is another reason that makes it important for handlers to check on the health of their alpacas.
Separation anxiety is another possible reason, though it is not commonly discussed. Alpacas are herd animals, meaning they do best with a community around them. If an alpaca suddenly becomes isolated for any reason, the distress may cause it to scream out in fear. Social conflicts can also cause alpacas to scream. When fighting for dominance or territory, they might scream to assert themselves, but more often, they spit instead. While the video above may not be real, we hope that after reading this, you know a bit more about alpacas.
