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Footloose Llama Safe After Odyssey in Rockies

'Homer' spent about a month on the lam

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 4, 2009 4:38 PM CDT
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(Newser) – A llama who went on the lam in the Rocky Mountains is safe and sound after a month on his own. Christened "Homer" by a volunteer rescuer "because of his little odyssey," the 6-month-old has frostbitten ears but is otherwise in decent shape. Theories about the animal's provenance abounded during its weeks on Pikes Peak, during which it tried and failed to befriend a herd of bighorn sheep. "It’s a baby raised on somebody’s farm or back yard," a llama expert told the Colorado Springs Gazette.

With winter looming and the llama community's concerns about predators mounting, a party determined to capture the llama set out on Friday and had little trouble luring the animal. "He was just being a baby and running around down there and thinking about coming to see us," said his rescuer. "I am so happy. I am going to do an e-mail blast and tell everyone, ‘We got him!'"

This smug specimen is not the Pikes Peak runaway--who may yet lose his ears to frostbite.
This smug specimen is not the Pikes Peak runaway--who may yet lose his ears to frostbite.   (©Bobolink)
These llamas live at Machu Picchu, in their native habitat, the Andes Mountains.
These llamas live at Machu Picchu, in their native habitat, the Andes Mountains.   (©jimmyharris)
Homer the llama (this isn't him) is safe and sound after about a month on the lam in the Rockies.
"Homer" the llama (this isn't him) is safe and sound after about a month on the lam in the Rockies.   (©Mike__Lawrence)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Netstorm2k10
Oct 5, 2009 12:28 PM CDT
I have read it, actually. I plug it on my myspace. Most interesting point to me was how the fact that europe and asia lie spread out along the same climatic zone, while Africa and the Americas are spread out through many climatic zones, made agriculture more regional in the Americas and Africa, while Euro-Asian agriculture was able to spread everywhere, practically. I'll have to re-read the part about llamas, though.
proud_prude
Oct 5, 2009 2:19 AM CDT
Loved it, Joequer. Boucoup thurnzup !!!!!!
RobN
Oct 5, 2009 1:36 AM CDT
It's apparently a six month old baby raised in captivity. Hardly a recipe for survival. And yes, people cared and went out of their way to try and help. It's something to encourage, not mock.
US • Science

 
mammals • Rocky Mountains • Colorado • llama • Pikes Peak

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