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Dozens of Ducks Found Dead in Orlando Pond, Investigation Underway

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 23:24 GMT by WOFL

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Dozens of Ducks Found Dead or Dying in Orlando Pond: A Local Environmental Investigation

A quiet summer afternoon in Orlando turned into a grim scene when a local resident reported a cluster of dead and dying waterfowl at a small pond that sits near a suburban neighborhood. According to the Fox 35 Orlando news report, the bodies of at least 45–50 ducks were found floating or sprawled on the pond’s shallow edges, prompting an urgent response from wildlife officials, the county health department, and environmental scientists.

The pond in question is located in the outskirts of Orlando, close to the West Orange area. It is a small, man‑made body of water that is often used by residents for casual fishing, and it has long been a favored spot for local wildlife, particularly migratory waterfowl. The sighting of such a large number of deceased ducks immediately raised concerns about potential contamination or other environmental hazards that could be affecting the pond’s ecosystem.

What the Report Says

Fox 35 Orlando’s article, which ran at the time of the discovery, begins by detailing how the bodies were first noticed. “The resident, a longtime homeowner in the area, saw several dead ducks floating on the surface and alerted the police and animal control,” the story reports. “They immediately turned the incident over to the county’s environmental protection office for investigation.”

According to the report, the county’s environmental protection office has begun water sampling and has called in a team of wildlife biologists from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The FWC specialists have identified the species of ducks as primarily mallards and green-winged teal, which are common in the region during the migration season. Their preliminary examination suggests that the ducks were found in an advanced state of decomposition, yet the cause of death appears to have been acute rather than chronic.

Possible Causes Under Investigation

The Fox 35 article highlights several possible culprits behind the mass mortality event:

1. Chemical Contamination from Stormwater Runoff
   A link within the article directs readers to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) webpage on stormwater management. FDEP officials note that urban runoff can carry pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and other toxic substances from residential lawns, gardens, and nearby agricultural operations. “When stormwater enters a pond or lake, the chemicals can accumulate and create a toxic environment for wildlife,” explains an FDEP spokesperson quoted in the article.

2. Copper from Over‑Watering or Lawn Fertilizers
   The FDEP link also outlines how copper, a common ingredient in many lawn fertilizers, can become lethal to birds when its concentration in the water rises above safe thresholds. Copper is particularly dangerous to ducks because they absorb it through their feet and through the water they drink. In the Fox 35 story, a local environmental scientist mentioned that preliminary lab results of the pond’s water showed elevated copper levels, which could be the likely cause of the mass death.

3. Potential Presence of Heavy Metals
   Another possibility discussed is the presence of heavy metals such as lead or mercury, which can originate from automobile parts, old paint, and industrial runoff. The article notes that the county’s environmental agency is also testing for these metals, although the initial tests did not indicate abnormal levels.

4. Algal Bloom Toxicity
   The FDEP link on the article leads to a report on harmful algal blooms that have been spotted in other Floridian water bodies. While the current sampling has not yet confirmed an algal bloom in the pond, it remains a factor to be ruled out.

The County Response

In the Fox 35 article, the county health department’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of monitoring the pond and the surrounding wetlands. “We’re conducting regular water quality tests to ensure the safety of the residents and the wildlife. Any findings that suggest a hazardous situation will be communicated promptly,” the spokesperson said.

The county’s wildlife officers have also set up a perimeter around the pond to prevent further disturbance. The residents were advised to keep their pets away and not to feed the waterfowl, which can encourage them to congregate near human activity and increase the risk of disease transmission.

What Residents Can Do

The Fox 35 article concludes with practical advice for residents living near water bodies:

• Report Any Unusual Events – If you see dead or sick wildlife, contact your local animal control or the county’s environmental office.
• Limit Use of Pesticides – Use environmentally safe pest control methods to reduce runoff.
• Proper Disposal of Old Paint – Ensure that any old paints or solvents are disposed of properly in accordance with local regulations.
• Watch for Algal Blooms – If you notice a green or brownish tint in water, it could indicate a bloom and may be harmful to fish and birds.

Additional Resources

The article includes several hyperlinks to external sources for readers who want more detailed information:

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) – Provides guidance on water quality testing and best practices for stormwater management.
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) – Offers resources on wildlife conservation, species identification, and reporting wildlife incidents.
• County Health Department – Details on local health and safety guidelines regarding wildlife and water quality.

By integrating these resources, the Fox 35 story not only reports on a distressing local incident but also serves as a guide for community engagement and environmental stewardship. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify the exact cause of the duck mortality event. As they gather more data, the local community and environmental agencies hope to implement preventive measures that will safeguard the pond and its wildlife for the future.