Here are some facts about alpacas:

• Alpacas are members of the Camelid family and are native to the Andes Mountain range of South America.• They are primarily found in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. They provided both clothing and transportation to the Incas and were first commercially imported into the United States in 1984.• Alpacas prefer the cooler climate, but can adapt to any climate.• There are over 100,000 alpacas registered in the U.S.• Alpacas are raised to be bred or for their fiber. They are generally not a food source.• There are two kinds of alpacas: Huacaya (wah-KI'-ya) and Suri (surrey).• Alpacas can live for 20 years.• It takes 11.5 months to produce a cria (baby alpaca). Multiple births are extremely rare.• Alpacas are sheared every 12-18 months and their fiber is becoming very popular with some retailers.• Alpacas are alert, intelligent, curious and predictable animals who seek companionship.• Alpacas communicate by softly humming, neck posturing, ear and tail positioning and head tilt.• In ancient times, fiber was known as the, "Fiber of the Gods." Today, it is often compared to cashmere.• Alpaca fiber is stronger and lighter than wool, yet it's warmer.