Alpacas (Llama, pacos) are a domesticated member of the Camelid family. The fossil record suggests that prehistoric camelids, originating in North America, evolved into the wild Vicuna and Guanaco that currently thrive in "alta plano" of the Andes Mountains in South America. It is believed that Alpacas were born of the domestication of the Vicuna that began more than 6,000 years ago. While they share a similar history, Alpacas differ from Llamas in that during early breeding they were selected for their very fine, soft and dense fiber, smaller size and calm demeanor. Chile, Bolivia, and Peru continue to lead the world Alpaca market with approximately 2.5 million animals. There are between 50 and 60 thousand animals in the U.S; the first ones were imported from South America in 1984. In 1999, the Alpaca Registry was closed to further importation.

The huacaya (wa-ki-ya) and the suri are the two different breeds of alpaca, differing primarily in the character of their fiber. Huntington VT Alpacas For Sale Huntington Vermont Alpacas For Sale