Guard Llama

The October, 2003 fires that ravaged much of San Diego County burned within about a mile of us. Shortly afterwards, hungry and desperate coyotes moved in from the burned areas. Where we and the coyotes had coexisted more or less peacefully before, the newcomers didn't know the "rules of the road," so to speak. A midnight raid decimated our chicken flock, and we feared the goats might be next on the menu. We heard coyotes nightly, and saw packs of up to 4 on our property, as well as coyotes hunting in broad daylight.

Much research convinced us that a guard llama might be the answer to our coyote worries. Llamas are naturally aggressive towards canids, and a lone llama will bond with his charges.

We acquired Murph, a 7-year-old ILR-registered gelding, from Watson Farms in Escondido.  He has bonded well to our goats. He is only happy when they are around, and he is interested in everything that they do! We have had no problems with either coyotes or bobcats, though we see them often.