Heroic Llama Saves Flock of Sheep from Cajon Pass Brush Fire

Destroying 1,200 acres and forcing the evacuation of 1,500 residents, the Cajon Pass brush fire that ignited on September 2 also roared through Hesperia rancher Bruce Schumacher's 10-acre property. Among losing his home, vehicles and over 100 goats, birds, rabbits and other animals, Schumacher also lost a hero.

Little Man, a white llama with brown eyes, protected his flock of approximately 30 sheep with his own body as the fire ripped through the property. Though Little Man suffered smoke inhalation plus singed eyelids, feet and woolly coat, all of his sheep survived the blaze.

However, Little Man was not so lucky. The heroic llama died on Thursday as a result of fatal damage to his lungs from the smoke. "He sacrificed his life for his sheep," Schumacher said, choking up, according to LA Times. "He'll always be a hero to me." Once Schumacher was permitted to return to his charred property, he found the sheep huddled under and around their fearless protector.

Schumacher, who did not have homeowner's insurance, struggles to rebuild his life. "What I need to do is start up again," Schumacher said. "I'm 66, and I think I have more work to do." A fund on his behalf has been created through the High Desert Community Foundation and Desert Community Bank. Donations can be made online, by mail, P.O. Box 2028, Apple Valley, CA, 92307, or through any Desert Community Bank branch.