Wayward llama takes up residence with Tuscaloosa County homeowner

COTTONDALE, Alabama 
A peculiar visitor has taken up residence at the Carnes home in Cottondale.

AP Photo/The Tuscaloosa News, Michelle Lepianka Carter

Frances Carnes first spotted the wayward llama on Sept. 2. She expected that it would find its way home — wherever that is — until she saw it in her yard again on Saturday.
"I don't know how long it's been out there," said Carnes, whose home and property is in a somewhat remote area off Hargrove Road East. "It startled me the first time I saw it. We went back Saturday, and it was still there. It just stood there and watched us. We tried to get closer, and it finally ran. I guess it doesn't know how to get home."
Carnes said Tuesday that she hopes publicity will help reunite the llama with its owner. No llamas have been reported missing, said Sgt. Andy Norris, a Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office spokesman.
If no one recognizes and claims the llama, Carnes said she would contact the Humane Society of West Alabama for advice. There is a llama sanctuary in Oliver Springs, Tenn., that could be an option, but that would require capturing the llama and transporting it.
The llama might be underweight, Carnes said, and has been hanging around the same grassy area during each sighting. Carnes said she did some research and is worried that it isn't receiving proper nutrition.
"I want to be able to get it somewhere before it dies," Carnes said.
Full-grown llamas are about 6 feet tall and can weigh between 280 and 450 pounds. They are known as intelligent and friendly animals who are usually gentle around people and prefer to live in a herd.
Relatives of camels, llamas are used as pack animals in South America to carry goods through the Andes mountains. They graze on grass and require little water.
They are raised in the U.S. for uses such as wool production, guarding other livestock, controlling vegetation and exhibiting at fairs and other shows.