Nova Scotia RCMP warn drivers not to stop on highways to let ducks cross

Drivers shouldn't slam on the brakes for ducks and make a dangerous highway stop, Nova Scotia RCMP said a day after a serious crash sent a motorcyclist to hospital.

"I believe that drivers have to do everything possible to try to avoid animals, but only if it's possible," said Sgt. Al LeBlanc.

"We would certainly discourage people from stopping on the roadway, especially a 100-series highway."

The motorcycle driver from Hants County was airlifted to hospital after a car in front of him stopped to allow a family of ducks to cross the road, police say. 

Because of that danger, LeBlanc said drivers can pull off the road if it's safe, especially if it's a quiet road, but that's rarely the case on a 100-series highway. 

Fined for rescuing ducklings

Ducks hurt by cars often end up at Hope for Wildlife, an animal rehabilitation centre in Seaforth outside of Halifax. They're treating about 70 ducks now.

Hope Swinimer, the founder of the sanctuary, says most of them were hit by cars.

"There's more development, so there seems to be even more wildlife on the roads, so it's difficult. It's instinctive to stop," she said.

"It's just our human nature, of course, to slam on our brakes."

Swinimer said her volunteers are often called to duck crossings, but it's dangerous for them to try to help the ducks. Often the mother has been killed and the ducklings are stranded.

"Sometimes they run out to the edges, the ditches — the babies do — and we're able to catch them with our butterfly nets," she said. "Sometimes we get the whole bunch, but often we only get several."

She said turtles, deer and other creatures get hurt, too. She suggests leaving lots of distance between cars and watching the sides of the roads.

One of Hope for Wildlife's volunteers recently got fined for stopping to rescue ducklings. Long-term, Swinimer suggests installing fencing or underground tunnels to offer a safe crossing for animals.

"Yes, they are very expensive, but when you add in the cost of accidents and people getting injured … it's an option to think about."

Police looking for driver of dark car

The accidents tend to happen over and over in a few spots, she said, so signage could help too.

Cars are the second biggest threat to wildlife, Swinimer said. Domestic cats do the most damage.

Police are still looking for the driver of a black car or SUV that caused the crash. Depending on what the investigation reveals, the driver could face a charge of driving in a careless and imprudent manner.

The motorcyclist's condition on Friday was not made public.