Glacier Considering Restrictions On Llama Packs

Concerned about disease, Glacier National Park is studying llamapacking to see if the animals pose a threat to park wildlife.

“We are taking a serious look at llamas,” said Amy Vanderbilt, park spokeswoman. “We haven’t made any decision, but it is very possible we may look at some kind of restriction.”

Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah barred llamas out of fear that they would spread disease to the park’s wildlife. Officials worried that the pack animals could pass Johne’s disease to the rare desert bighorn sheep there.

Craig Houke, resource manager at Canyonlands, said only four llamas in the U.S. have ever had the disease.

“We decided not to take a risk.”

Houke noted that Canyonlands also prohibits pack goats, which are becoming popular, and limits horses.

However, the llama prohibition, and the idea that llamas spread disease, has riled llama users nationwide, he said.

Given the Canyonlands prohibition, Glacier officials are weighing the potential risks llamas may pose to Rocky Mountain bighorns and other Glacier wildlife. Vanderbilt said park managers are reviewing llama use and scientific studies of the disease.