Springtime is just ducky for some. But it's a perilous time for mother ducks and their newly hatched brood on their waddling way to a first swim.
Drivers have been told to be cautious around ponds and parks, lest mum and her ducklings come to grief.
The WA Department of Parks and Wildlife officer Emma Lipianin said ducks usually nested in tree hollows far from water, and once their young hatched mothers walked their ducklings to the nearest wetland, often passing roads and cycle paths.
"While the sight of fluffy ducklings waddling along after their mother is one of nature's great displays, it can also be a major hazard," she said.
"We ask motorists and cyclists to try and avoid them without endangering themselves or other road users."
Ms Lipianin said ducklings should not be disturbed while in such a vulnerable state.
"We encourage people not to approach them, feed them or interfere with them in any way," she said.
Ms Lipianin said ducks and their hatchlings were often found in backyard swimming pools.
"We recommend that people leave gates open if pool access can be supervised and encourage them to leave, without chasing them, so they can find suitable nearby wetlands," she said.
Sick or injured wildlife should be reported to the department's Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.
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