Wyoming Llamas Draw Tourists for 70-Pound Treks, Parties and Farm Tours

Q: How did a simple family pet manage to successfully chase off a deadly mountain lion in the rugged Wyoming wilderness?

It likely succeeded because llamas are not just passive pets; they are large, herd-oriented animals with strong guardian instincts, and this female reacted exactly that way when the mountain lion entered the group. Steve Priest said one of his female llamas “fought it off,” and that matches well-documented llama behavior. Llamas are commonly used as nonlethal livestock guardians because they are highly alert, quick to detect threats, and willing to confront predators such as coyotes, dogs and sometimes mountain lions. They use sharp eyesight, hearing and alarm calls to identify danger early, then orient toward it rather than fleeing as quickly as some other livestock might. That matters in Wyoming’s backcountry. A mature llama is much larger and bolder than a typical prey animal, and its threatening posture, charging, and group response can make a predator decide the risk is too high. Priest said the llamas make a distinctive warning sound when predators are near, which helps rally the herd. In a herd setting, that collective stance can be enough to drive off an intruder. So the mountain lion was not beaten in a dramatic one-on-one fight so much as deterred by the llama’s size, toughness, alertness and protective behavior. Priest said the animals have also kept black bears away, though he doubts they could stop a grizzly. In short, the “family pet” worked because llamas are domesticated, but they still retain the instincts and physical presence of effective guardian animals.

1 articles · Updated · Cowboy State Daily · Aug 16

Elk Mountain llamas have turned from a daughter’s FFA project into a local tourism sideline, drawing hotel guests for farm tours and appearing at parties and holiday events.
Steve Priest said their appeal is simple: the animals are calm, approachable and photogenic, letting visitors lead, pet and feed them while making them a quirky attraction.
The herd also has practical value beyond selfies, with llamas able to carry about 70 to 80 pounds and potentially returning to guided hiking treks in Wyoming.
Priest said the animals have shown strong guard instincts too, including one female that fought off a mountain lion, as he builds a breeding program and keeps expanding the herd.
The business remains a modest side gig that helps cover hay and grain, but Priest hopes a healthier herd will support more hunting trips, tours and future trek offerings.

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Cowboy State Daily4d ago

Wyoming Llamas Become Tourism Draw for Farm Tours, Parties, and Treks

How did a simple family pet manage to successfully chase off a deadly mountain lion in the rugged Wyoming wilderness?

Why are local hotels and rugged mountain hunters suddenly relying on a teenager's former 4-H project for their backcountry adventures?

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Cowboy State Daily4d ago

Wyoming Llamas Become Tourism Draw for Farm Tours, Parties, and Treks

Wyoming Llamas Draw Tourists for 70-Pound Treks, Parties and Farm Tours

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