Don't Feed the Birds: Dozens of Dead Ducks Found in OC
More than 30 dead mallard ducks have been discovered in Lake Forest ponds and lakes, notably in and around the Village Pond Park and the Forest Gardens Mobile Home Park. Despite signage instructing residents and visitors to not feed the birds, the ducks are consuming bread provided by the hands of ignorant humans. Residents and experts fear the starchy treat is one of the culprits.
Feeding ducks, while seemingly helpful, harms the birds by creating pollution, poor nutrition, overcrowding and disease. Bread and grains tossed into the lake provide nutrients for botulism to grow.
The growth of botulism, which is incited by hot temperatures and high amounts of algae in the water, is absolutely another factor in the high number of duck deaths. Officials from the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach are caring for a couple dozen of the ducks, all of which are exhibiting symptoms of botulism poisoning, according to Wildlife Director Debbie McGuire. A common symptom of this condition is paralysis.
Currently, only mallard ducks have been affected, but the problem could spread to fish, then seagulls, then other birds, said McGuire.
