Up North Progressive

Michigan DNR conservation officers need help finding the person responsible for killing seven mallard ducks at last weekend’s Houghton Lake Tip-Up Town. The ducks were discovered on Sunday, January 18 and the DNR believes the incident may have happened on Saturday, January 17. The ducks were found near open water where the canal feeds into Houghton Lake at the Iroquois Street bridge. Along with the dead ducks, an injured duck was also found and taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center.

Clues to what may have happened to the ducks include a single set of snowmobile tracks where the canal enters the lake. The dead ducks all had the appearance of being run over. In wintertime, ducks that live in Michigan year round will congregate in areas with open water, and rest on the ice or nearby land.

Anyone who has information about the incident or may have witnessed the ducks being struck by a snowmobiler can call (800) 292-7800 or make a report online.