Here's a breakdown:
* Herd Behavior: Alpacas are very social animals that live in herds with a strong social hierarchy. They will often form a circle with their young in the middle to protect them from predators. The dominant male will also often stand guard and use his body to protect the herd.
* Spitting: Alpacas are known for their spitting abilities, which they use as a defensive mechanism against perceived threats. Their spit is a mixture of saliva and partially digested food, which can be quite unpleasant and even cause irritation to the eyes or nose. They primarily spit at other alpacas during dominance disputes, but will also spit at humans if they feel threatened.
* Other defenses: While not as effective as spitting or herd behavior, alpacas can also use their hooves to kick, and their teeth to bite. These methods are mainly used against smaller predators like foxes, but are less likely to be successful against larger threats.
Overall, alpacas are not strong or aggressive animals, but they are resourceful and rely on their social structure and unique defense mechanisms to stay safe. They are generally quite docile and friendly towards humans.