Pets
Related: About this forumHow can people be so uncaring?
We live in a neighborhood with a LOT of wild ducks. Most people let the ducks cross the road. About a month ago, my dog and I were walking with my sons and came upon a duck sitting on the nest (I assume Mama Duck) and there was a duck standing next to her that tried to chase my dog off (I assume Daddy Duck). I smiled and moved on to let them feel more comfortable.
About a week ago, they "gave birth" to 7 little ducklings. Mama and Daddy Duck stayed together with their seven little ducklings. The boys loved seeing the little ducklings and I became attached to that little family. Daddy Duck was never fond of my dog, but who can blame him? She's part Golden Retriever and loves chasing ducks (though I never let her chase them).
This morning, I took my boys and my dog for a walk and found the Mama and Daddy Duck dead in the road. They were about 6 feet from each other... about 6 feet up the road, 3 of the ducklings were dead and about 4 feet from there were 3 more dead ducklings. I am devastated, but feel stupid that I ever got attached to a bunch of wild ducks. After I brought the dog and kids home, I went back and picked them all up (which is when I realized that there were only 6 ducklings).
I don't know what happened to the other one. I've decided that the only way I can live with this is to just pretend that s/he's been adopted by another duck family. How freaking hard is it to slow the f**k down and watch where you're driving? These weren't small duck (Mama and Daddy) so there would have been a thump when they ran them over.
Here's a picture. I just didn't want there to be no one that cares about them...
Curmudgeoness
(18,219 posts)I am always getting attached to wild families.....the momma raccoon who brings her babies to my feeder after dark, all the ducks at our park, and the swan family there as well. The swans have also had the same end as your ducks, only is was intentional....how sick is that!
You are not alone in your caring about all animals.
kdmorris
(5,649 posts)For my own sanity and what little grip on faith in humanity I have, I have to believe it was carelessness...
narnian60
(3,510 posts)I dread seeing any kind of nest or wild baby animals near a street or even humans. Too many uncaring, cruel people around. Why can't we just leave them in peace and then help them if necessary. A pox on anyone who hurts defenseless creatures or humans.
jtuck004
(15,882 posts)is tougher to be what you've never seen or experienced.