Ducklings Rescued By Firefighters On I-95 In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — Firefighters and state police worked together Monday to rescue nine ducklings from a storm drain on Interstate 95 northbound, just prior to exit 17 in Westport.

"Westport Fire Department dispatchers received numerous calls for an animal rescue on I-95," Assistant Chief Brett Kirby said in a release. "A family of ducks had been observed trying to navigate I-95 at rush hour, resulting in nine ducklings falling into a storm drain."

Firefighters used a variety of hand tools, hydraulic rescue tools and metering equipment to gain access to the storm drain. Firefighter Andrew Ponticiello then used a ladder to enter the storm drain and patiently rescued all nine of the ducklings, despite their reluctance to exit.

"This was Firefighter Ponticiello's second animal rescue from a storm drain in as many days," Kirby said.

The department also reminds citizens concerned about the welfare of any animal, particularly animals on a highway or main road, to call 911 and ask for assistance.

"The roads and highways are dangerous places," Kirby said, "and we want to make sure everyone goes home safely."

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Photo credits: Westport Fire Department