A rogue llama that was found near Fort Lewis College on Monday is heading home soon, said Chris Nelson, director of animal services for the La Plata County Humane Society.
La Plata County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Chris Burke said deputies were called about 7:30 a.m. Monday for a report of a lone llama near 410 Goeglein Gulch Road (County Road 238), near Fort Lewis College.
Bailey Carlson of Durango said he saw the llama on the side of the road and called nonemergency dispatch.
“I worked with llamas and alpacas as a kid,” he said. “I was able to get a rope around it to make sure it wouldn’t run off. It was a super chill llama the entire time.”
Carlson posted a video and pictures of the missing llama to the La Plata County Lost and Found pets Facebook page.
Deputies were able to corral the llama and keep it from going onto the road until Animal Protection arrived.
“We get livestock complaints with cattle and horses on the road, so we always keep rope in our vehicles so when we do get a hold of them, we can keep them out of the way,” Burke said.
Animal Control caught the llama, which was not injured and in good condition, and brought it to the La Plata County Humane Society.
Nelson said Tuesday the owner had been located and intends to pick up the llama Wednesday. He did not immediately know who the owner was or how far the llama had escaped before being corralled.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
