What you didn't know about alpacas...
Alpacas aren't just the Instagram stars of the Andes or fluffy lawnmowers with big eyes—they're also highly interesting animals with surprising characteristics. So if you think you know everything about these woolly four-legged friends, buckle up. Here are three fun facts that are as entertaining as they are educational:
1. Alpacas have mastered the art of not spitting – most of the time.
Alpacas have a reputation for quickly becoming spit cannons. But that's only half true. In fact, alpacas mainly spit among themselves – to establish social hierarchies, for example, over food or to fend off an annoying admirer. Humans are rarely the target of these "bile projectiles." And yes, it really is bile – because when an alpaca spits, it first regurgitates a bit of stomach acid. Charming? Not necessarily. Efficient? Definitely.
The exciting part: This form of communication is extremely sophisticated. A quick spit in the air often serves only as a warning. Only when the other person doesn't understand what's going on does the full force of the attack come into play. Alpacas are therefore not uncontrolled spitters, but tactical diplomats with built-in irritant gas.
2. They speak… with their ears.
While we humans rely on language, facial expressions, and emojis, alpacas conduct their social interactions largely nonverbally—through their ears and body posture. An attentive, pricked pair of ears signals curiosity. If the ears hang limply to the side, it's time to relax. And if the ears are folded back, watch out—something's brewing.
These subtle signals are part of a complex communication system. Alpacas live in clearly structured herds and therefore require nuanced body language to avoid conflict—or deliberately provoke it. Anyone who thinks alpacas are taciturn cuddly animals hasn't yet properly "read" their body language.
3. Their wool is warmer than sheep's wool – and hypoallergenic.
Alpaca wool not only looks luxurious—it is luxurious, too. The fibers are hollow inside, making them particularly lightweight yet insulating. This means that alpaca wool not only keeps you significantly warmer than sheep's wool, but also regulates body temperature—warming in winter and cooling in summer.
Best of all, alpaca wool contains no lanolin, or wool grease. This makes it ideal for allergy sufferers. It's also naturally dirt-repellent, antibacterial, and even odorless. A truly super material—all without synthetic additives.
