BELLEVIEW, FL (352today.com)—The ducks living inside Belleview’s Lake Lillian had a good run. There were many quacks and perhaps a few waddles.
The City of Belleview has decided to relocate a small portion of the lake’s duck population after “enthusiastic duck donations” from the public have brought more ducks to the lake.
The city says the duck population in the lake has reached an all-time high and is threatening its ecosystem. Therefore, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, will be known as Duck Relocation Day at Lake Lillian.
“The duck population has grown from 7-9 to more than 20,” says the city’s Events and Promotions Manager, Robert Vass.
Vass says the city’s problems became clear when the ducks began roosting on the dock and under the pavilion, leaving droppings and feathers that he says will require “additional maintenance” to restore.
The city has made it clear that the public is not to feed the ducks. Vass says that people will do so anyway, which can lead to the ducks aggressively seeking food from cars pulling up to the park or people in the area.
The city says relocating the ducks will improve population control and help protect the well-being of the public and the ducks that remain in the area.