Alpaca Owners Association Inc. invites you to visit member farms and ranches during National Alpaca Farm Days Sept. 23-24.

For a complete list of participating farms and ranches, visit AlpacaFarmDays.com.

While most alpaca farms welcome visitors throughout the year, National Alpaca Farm Days will include special activities, live demonstrations and educational opportunities for the entire family.

Did you know?

• Alpacas are a member of the camelid family and originated from South America.

• Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984.

• Alpacas live to be 15 to 20 years old. The oldest was 27 years old.

• Alpacas weigh between 100 and 200 pounds, and are about 36 inches high at the withers (where the neck and spine come together).

• Alpacas produce 5 to 10 pounds of fleece per year when sheared.

• Alpaca fleece is as soft as cashmere, and warmer, lighter and stronger than wool. It comes in 16 natural shades, which can be dyed in bright colors.

• Alpacas eat about 2 pounds of grass and hay per day and chew a cud.

• Alpacas are safe and pleasant to be around. They do not bite or butt, and do not have sharp teeth, horns, hooves or claws.

• Alpacas are very quiet. They may make a humming noise to communicate or an occasional shrill sound to send an alarm.

• Alpacas are smart animals and are fairly easy to train. They can learn to compete in obstacle courses and jump small hurdles.

Source: Cindy Berman Morrow