Red Deer RCMP officers “quacked” the case by reuniting a mother duck with eight of her ducklings that had fallen down a storm drain on Thursday morning.
Police were called to Ireland Crescent at about 8:45 a.m. by a concerned citizen and child who saw an upset mother duck pacing next to a manhole with only one of her ducklings.
From underground, they could hear the quacking of the rest of her brood. It turned out that eight other fluffy yellow ducklings had fallen through the slats in the manhole cover and needed a human hand to get out.
Two officers were sent to the scene and Corp Russell, a female member of the RCMP, didn’t hesitate to jump into the drain and retrieve the ducklings, who then joined their ninth sibling and mother on the road.
Officers watched as the row of young ones followed their mama to the sidewalk, ensuring they were safe from traffic.
Const. Sandra Geiger, communications officer for Red Deer RCMP said the duck rescue was a feel good call that ended with the officers putting a smile on the face of the little girl, who was glad the little ducks were rescued from the drain.
It’s the time of year for waterfowl hatches, so drivers should watch out for wildlife.