As Easter approaches, Florida wildlife officials want parents to think twice before buying a certain duck—very popular around this time of year.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a person must first have a permit to possess and care for a domestic mallard duck. It can live up to 10 years.
Some parents purchase these ducks for the Easter holiday, but end up releasing them into the wild. FWC officials say that’s not only illegal, it can threaten other duck populations that may breed with the mallard duck.
So, they urge parents to buy a stuffed animal instead, and leave the live animals alone.
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