<P> Llamas appear to have originated from the central plains of North America about 40 million years ago . They migrated to South America about three million years ago during the Great American Interchange . By the end of the last ice age ( 10,000 -- 12,000 years ago ) , camelids were extinct in North America . As of 2007 , there were over seven million llamas and alpacas in South America , and due to importation from South America in the late 20th century , there are now over 158,000 llamas and 100,000 alpacas in the United States and Canada . </P>
<P> Llamas appear to have originated from the central plains of North America about 40 million years ago . They migrated to South America about three million years ago during the Great American Interchange . By the end of the last ice age ( 10,000 -- 12,000 years ago ) , camelids were extinct in North America . As of 2007 , there were over seven million llamas and alpacas in South America , and due to importation from South America in the late 20th century , there are now over 158,000 llamas and 100,000 alpacas in the United States and Canada . </P>
when did the llama first appear in north america
when did the llama first appear in north america
about 40 million years ago
about 40 million years ago