MERRIMACK, NH – Ducklings dodging traffic on the busy F.E. Everett Turnpike Friday flooded NH State Police phone centers with calls from frantic motorists.
Several of the ducklings met their doom, but thanks to Don Wylks of Manchester, aka duck defender, four of the baby ducks get a second chance.
According to NH State Police, at approximately noon on April 29, 2016, the New
multiple calls started coming in about ducklings in the roadway in the area of Exit 10 on the Everett Turnpike in Merrimack. Troopers from Troop B in Bedford responded to the area and came upon Wilks, who stopped and managed to rescue four of approximately 10 ducklings that were attempting to cross the highway.
Wilks corraled the ducks and kept them from going back into the roadway. Trooper Mark Dore arrived on scene was able to transport the surviving ducklings to wildlife rehabilitator, Maria Colby, of Wings of the Dawn Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Henniker.
Although Wilks’ actions were humane, Troopers would like to remind motorists not to stop on highways for animals trapped or injured as it could be dangerous to do so. Troopers would recommend calling the authorities with a good location and description of the incident, so they can respond with the proper equipment in a safe and timely fashion.
