Berserk llama syndrome or berserk male syndrome (as it is more pronounced in males) is a psychological condition suffered by human-raised llamas and alpacas that can cause them to exhibit dangerously aggressive behavior toward humans. The llama ( Lama glama) is a South American Camelid, widely used as a Pack animal by the Incas and other natives of the Andes The Alpaca ( Vicugna pacos) is a domesticated species of South American Camelid. The term has been overused, however, and is sometimes inappropriately applied to llamas with aggressive personalities that are not truly "berserk. "[1][2]
The condition is a result of the llama imprinting on its human handlers to such a degree that it considers them to be fellow llamas. This article is about the psychological term For other meanings see Imprinting. [3] Imprinting can be caused by bottle feeding and by isolation from other llamas. A baby bottle is a Bottle with a Teat (also called a Nipple in the US) to drink directly from [1] Adult male inter-llama interaction can be quite rough, including chest-ramming and biting, and they are strongly territorial. Male llamas suffering from this condition become quite dangerous when this behavior is directed toward humans and they usually have to be euthanised. Euthanasia (literally "good death" in Ancient Greek) refers to the practice of ending a life in a painless manner Female llamas can also suffer from berserk llama syndrome but their bad behavior is usually limited to spitting and difficult handling. [3]
Berserk llama syndrome can be prevented from developing through training,[3] and can also be prevented in males through castration before puberty. Castration (also referred to as Gelding, Neutering, Fixing, orchiectomy, and orchidectomy is any action surgical, chemical [4]
References
- ^ a b Berserk Male Syndrome. Llamapaedia. com (via the Internet Archive) (September 21, 1997). The Internet Archive ( IA) is a Nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining an on-line Library and archive of Web and Retrieved on 2007-06-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland.
- ^ Problematic behavior in llamas and misdirected territorial aggression. Lost Creek Llamas. Retrieved on 2007-10-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 456 - Magister militum Ricimer defeats the Emperor Avitus at Piacenza and becomes master of the western
- ^ a b c 20 What is Berserk Male Syndrome?. Stason. org (Sep 11 2007). Retrieved on 2007-10-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 456 - Magister militum Ricimer defeats the Emperor Avitus at Piacenza and becomes master of the western
- ^ "Berserk llama attacks woman in Central Oregon", Associated Press, September 13, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-10-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 456 - Magister militum Ricimer defeats the Emperor Avitus at Piacenza and becomes master of the western