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FWC To Florida Parents: Don't Purchase Live Mallard Ducks For Easter

FWC's facebook page

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.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.