Firefighters Rescue, Adopt Ducklings in Buffalo, Fort Collins Storm Drains

Firefighters in Buffalo, New York, and Fort Collins, Colorado, recently conducted rescues of ducklings trapped in storm drains, highlighting their commitment to saving animal lives alongside humans. Buffalo firefighters rescued eight ducklings from a sewer drain and reunited them with their mother, while Poudre Fire Authority crews in Fort Collins saved four ducklings from a storm drain but had to adopt them after the mother abandoned them. The Fort Collins firefighters cared for the ducklings temporarily at their fire station, supported by donations from a local farm and ranch store, and the ducklings were later adopted by the fire captain and engineer. In the UK, the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service successfully escorted a mother duck and her newly hatched ducklings through hazardous urban areas to safety, emphasizing the importance of minimizing stress on wildlife by avoiding direct capture when possible. These rescues demonstrate varied approaches by first responders and wildlife organizations to protect vulnerable ducklings in urban environments, balancing intervention with animal welfare best practices. Guidance from wildlife experts suggests assessing the health and distress of stray ducklings before intervening and seeking professional help if needed.