Third duck found in park with its beak removed; Authorities are investigating human involvement

In a shocking discovery, three ducks in a southern California park have been found with their beaks removed in recent weeks. The ducks were found at Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley, California, and were unable to eat due to their injuries. All three either died or had to be euthanized. Understandably, the disturbing trend has left animal activists concerned.

Speaking with the Los Angeles Times, the executive director at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach said, "Our suspicion is with so many injured in the same way, that it seems intentional." 

The third injured duck was reportedly found on August 19 after the Wildlife Care Center made a post describing the injuries as "dramatic and heart-wrenching" following the discovery of the first two ducks in July. The ducks were starving as they could not eat following the incident and thus had to be put down on August 18. 

The third duck was found by a volunteer on June 14 but hadn't been reported until last week. It tragically passed way the same night from starvation related to its injuries. "This third duck is most likely the first victim of these atrocities," McGuire expressed. Investigators with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are currently investigating the case and are considering every possibility. 

A spokesperson reportedly told the outlet that in all likelihood it was a natural predator as the injuries were not "clean." However, after finding the third bird, they are exploring the possibility that humans were behind this heinous act. "This is something we're taking very seriously," said California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesperson, Captain Patrick Foy. 

He noted that his department employed an avian pathologist whose expertise will contribute to "our own analysis of the evidence." Foy noted that gathering evidence would be the first step to compiling a report which will then be passed to the prosecutor. That being said, determining the culprit could be a challenge as the birds in question are capable of flight. This would make it difficult to know their origin. 

Foy added that the area where the ducks were found has "a long history of people who dump domestic waterfowl" in local parks. "We have no evidence that people did this. There are lots of unanswered questions. We're hoping the public has some tip," he noted.

Anyone with information is urged to call CalTip at (888) 334-2258, or OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848.

Cover image source: Facebook | Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center