Officer Rescues Ducklings From Storm Drain In Mission Viejo: Good News

MISSION VIEJO, CA — One Mission Viejo Animal Services officer rescued a brood of ducklings after they had fallen into a 20-foot storm drain this week, the city said in a news release.

Increased duck rescues are common for this time of the year, a MVAS representative said, as ducklings are born in heavy brush away from water sources. Once the ducklings are old enough, mom will lead them to water — a journey that more often than not can prove to be very risky.

In this case, Officer Stewart encountered eight ducklings stuck in a 20-foot storm drain with mom and dad standing with four ducklings in the nearby brush.

"Officer Stewart was successful at rescuing the uninjured ducklings out of the storm drain safely, and all were released back to mom and dad," a city news release said.

Residents who see ducklings that may have been abandoned or whose mother passed away are urged to contact Mission Viejo Animal Services.

"If you see ducklings trapped in a storm drain - with or without the mother standing by - contact us so we can get them safely back with their mom," the city statement said. "Please do not try to rescue ducklings from the road or a storm drain, as it can be very dangerous."

For a flyer detailing what to do if you see a duck in need of help, click here.