ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Rescuers were called out to save a duckling, found near a creek at Miner’s Ravine trail in Roseville, with a blow dart sticking out of its neck.
A person in the area spotted the duck on Thursday and called California Fish and Wildlife to report it.
Volunteers with both Gold Country Wildlife Rescue and Sacramento Heron and Egret Rescue went out to search for the injured duckling on Saturday. Ben Nuckolls, a wildlife capture specialist, took photos and videos of the rescue.
The volunteers were able to safely capture the duckling, where it was then taken to Atlantic Street Pet Emergency Center in Roseville where vets were able to remove the dart and take X-rays.
The duckling’s neck was swollen and its injuries were bad, according to Nuckolls. Vets say because its breathing was compromised, the duckling will stay with Gold Country Wildlife Rescue to fully recuperate before it's returned to its family at the creek.
Dina Fiala with Gold Country Wildlife Rescue says the duckling is on antibiotics and things are looking up.
“He is doing great. He’s not having trouble breathing anymore, which is a significant improvement in just a few days,” said Fiala.
The rescue group says dart injuries to wild animals are more common than people think.
“There have been several geese with arrows across their neck that need to be removed, the same thing with turkeys. Those are sometimes intentional. Sometimes they are at the wrong place wrong time. We’ve also seen illegal traps for foxes and coyotes,” Fiala said.
She says they’re not sure if the duck’s injury was an accident but do think he may have been walking around with the dart across its neck for a few days. She also had this advice for people who come in contact with injured animals.
“The number one thing you want to do is call your local rescue group and describe the situation and they will instruct you from there,” explained Fiala.
Fiala tells ABC10 the little duckling's recovery could take months.
Continue the conversation with Mayde on Facebook.
________________________________________________________________
