Advertisement

Stopping on highways to help ducks cross is a hazard: Ontario police

A still from video shared on social media of a woman who allegedly was trying to rescue ducks on a highway in Ottawa on May 20, 2015. YouTube

OTTAWA — Ontario provincial police are warning that helping wild animals across the highway creates a hazard for motorists.

Ottawa OPP said they received several 911 calls on Wednesday morning about a pedestrian attempting to remove a family of ducks from Highway 417.

Investigators said officers weren’t able to find the ducks or the pedestrian when they arrived at the scene.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

Police said drivers should never stop in a live lane if they see animals on the highway, but should call 911 only if they feel that the hazard is an emergency.

A still from video shared on social media of a woman who allegedly was trying to rescue ducks on a highway in Ottawa on May 20, 2015. Youtube

Two people died in June 2010 when a Quebec woman stopped her car to rescue ducklings on the side of a Montreal-area highway.

Story continues below advertisement

The woman is appealing a sentence of 90 days and her conviction on two counts of criminal negligence causing death and two of dangerous driving causing death.

Sponsored content

AdChoices