'Lost without her friends': Only duck to survive B.C. coyote attack starts following humans everywhere
The lone duck who survived a coyote attack on a B.C. farm was so bereft she started following the humans around – waddling close behind them as they went about their chores and waiting on the doorstep every time they went inside.
The sad story that ultimately has a happy ending was shared by Jason Croutch of Fraser Valley Rose Farms earlier this month on YouTube.
The family raised three ducks on their Nicomen Island property by hand and Croutch said in the video that the whole family enjoyed having the small flock around. Although coyotes are relatively common in the area, he said the predators don't often get onto the farm itself.
"Unfortunately, we do live in a wild area here and coyotes got two of the ducks. So this duck is the only one left standing -- somehow she escaped them," he said in the video.
"Ducks, they're very social animals, they really like to hang around in a group they don't stray far from the group. And in this case, she is lost without her friends. So she has glommed on to people."
For days, the lonely black duck would follow Croutch, his wife and his kids around everywhere they went.
"She can't stand to be away from you," he said.This screenshot from a video posted to Youtube by Fraser Valley Rose Farms shows three ducks. Two were killed by coyotes, leaving the lone survivor bereft,
At one point, unable to find any members of the Croutch family, the bird made its way to a neighbouring property in search of other humans to follow.
With a vacation upcoming and uncertainty surrounding the coyote situation, Croutch said the family couldn't imagine leaving the duck alone and wasn't in a position to bring new ducks onto the farm.
This screenshot from a video posted to YouTube by Fraser Valley Rose Farms shows a lonely duck who started following humans around after her companions were killed by coyotes.
Luckily, Croutch's wife Lisa has a niece who lives on Pender Island that was willing to foster the duck.
"They're very experienced caretakers of birds and animals so I couldn't think of a better home to put this duck into -- and she's a sweet little duck," Croutch said.
The YouTube video shows Lisa packing up the duck and taking her on the ferry before being dropped off to live among chickens and other fowl.
"Apparently she gets along really, really well with all the other birds which is fantastic, but still has a special penchant for following the humans around which actually, I think, is kind of cute," Croutch said.
The duck has gotten off the property and paid a visit to the neighbours at least once but was safely returned.
"So apparently she's up for her old antics just fine, but it sounds like she's having a really good time over there."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.