Guanacos are camelids that are native to South America. They are closely related to the llama. During mating season the males fight ruthlessly for mating rights over the females and for dominance— they can be fierce. I have seen and photographed them chasing and biting the testicles (to the point of drawing blood) of an opposing male. They get into such a frenzy that they often hump each other when they are not the victor. But most of the time that I have watched them, they are just mock fighting. The BBC video below shows the actions of these males. It’s hard to believe when you see them sitting on top of a mountain with a peaceful look to them.
All of the photos below were captured in Torres del Paine National Park, in Chile’s Patagonia region.
Backlit
Peaceful easy feeling…
The reflection shows another Guanaco on the hill above.
Mock fighting
The chase begins—and you better stay clear of them!
Above shows the male on top of the female with the other male humping the victorious male. The young offspring of the female looks on…
