Expert: Julia Booth - 7/6/2009

Question
I discovered a injured mallard who feeds daily under my bird feeder. She has a badly broken leg. I beleive I might have seen a turtle get her 2 wks. ago. I found a wild animal veternary clinic who will take her if I could only catch her. So far she is other wise healthy. Should I further traumatize this poor duck and take her to the clinic, or let nature take its course? Is there any possibility she can compensate and survive? I feel so bad for her and don't know what to do. If it would be more humane to have her put to sleep at clinic please give me advice on trapping her.. Thank you so very much I desperately want to do the best for her.

Answer
It would help to know where you lived. I can give you the wildlife rehab directory for the US -organized by state.

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/

I have seen mallards survive with broken wings and damaged beaks. They're very adaptable, especially in urban areas where food is readily available.

But you should still contact your local wildlife protection agency. NOT animal control. They will not care or be of any help.