For months, a rogue llama has been wandering the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, near Fort Collins.
But if you come across the animal, don't try to approach it, a ranger warns. Reports from hikers in the area have said that the rogue llama, which has somehow become separated from its herd, is aggressive.
Llamas are herbivores, grazing on grass, tree foliage, and shrubs, so while there's no predatory danger for humans, hikers have said that the lonely llama actually charged at them -- on at least two occasions.
It was first seen alone in the hills west of Fort Collins earlier in the summer, which was odd, since wild llamas are not native to the area. Animals typically seen in Bobcat Ridge include elk, mountain lions, and wild turkeys. But a llama? Not so much. Recently, however, sightings of the llama have become even more frequent.
Karl Manderbach, a ranger in the area, has tried multiple times to lure the animal down to safety and hopefully reunite it with its yet-unknown owner, all to no avail.
"I’ve gone up several times with different rangers and different staff to do that, and we can’t get anywhere near it," Manderbach told The Coloradoan. "It just wanders off."
Being alone in the mountains for five months would make anybody go a little crazy, though, so it's no wonder that the llama's behavior is alternating between "easily spooked" and aggression.
With colder weather looming and the always-present danger of wild predators, we hope the llama (affectionately nicknamed "Louise") can soon be brought to safety. If you come across it, or are aware of anyone missing a spotted llama, please contact the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department at 970-416-2147.
Have you seen Louise the rogue llama roaming about? Do you know a rancher who might be missing a llama? Share your stories in the comments below!
