Traffic Threatens Goslings and Ducklings; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Says, "Slow Down"

Each year more than 2 million Mallards, Pintails, Wigeons, and Canada Geese fly to Alaska in early summer to nest and feed. Lately, motorists in and around Anchorage have encountered hundreds of these adult birds leading lines of baby ducks and geese across the streets, busy highways and business parking lots.

Biologists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are asking motorists to slow down near Anchorage nesting areas. They say now is the most vulnerable time for the babies, as they learn to fear vehicles and other dangers that come when growing up in the big city.

Accoding to Service biologist Bob Leedy the ducks and geese started nesting in and around Anchorage about three to four weeks ago. The goslings and ducklings are hatching now, and wont leave Alaska until the fall.

"Right now the goslings and ducklings cant move very quickly," Leedy said. "Adult geese are grazers. They feed on grasses and vegetation, so end up walking around quite a bit.

The organized lines of slow-moving babies following adults presents a problem for Anchorage residents in a hurry to get places.

Some motorists have been witnessed intentionally running down waterfowl families, according to Service Law Enforcement Agent, Jim Sheridan. The Service will prosecute any individual seen intentionally harming these migratory birds. Maximum penalty for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act with this type of violation is $5,000 and six months in jail.

FWS