The action got a little 'quackers' for West Shore RCMP on the Trans-Canada Highway in View Royal.
A family of around a dozen ducks were found waddling across the highway near Admirals Road on Tuesday (May 20), prompting what RCMP described as a "wild duck chase."
Jumping out of his vehicle to help, the police officer attempted to herd the mother and her ducklings back to safety, which proved easier said than done.
But with traffic at a complete stop, two members of the public came to the officer's aid. And soon the trio had their ducks in a row, helping the feathered family safely navigate the concrete barrier on the shoulder of the highway, returning to the grass verge.
"Thank you to everyone for their patience during this short traffic pause," said West Shore RCMP in a Facebook post.
This is the second time in less than a month that officers have come to the rescue of wildlife desperately in need of brushing up on how to safely cross the road.
A goose and six goslings brought traffic to a standstill in April, when West Shore RCMP offered them a police escort after they opted for a stroll on the shoulder of the Trans-Canada Highway.
But it's not just busy highways that pose a risk to ducklings, goslings and their parents.
In recent weeks, Metchosin's animal rehab centre Wild ARC has received several calls about ducklings trapped in water features and goslings stranded on high roofs.
Once hatched, the newly formed waterfowl family will leave the nest and make their way as a group to a nearby water source, explains Wild ARC in a news release.
"In most cases, they can do this with little difficulty," they said. "However, in some situations, they may need help to get their new family to safety."
Anyone who thinks they may have found a web-footed family in need of help is advised to first call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722.
For more information about how to tell if ducklings and goslings need help and how to keep them safe, visit: .
