It was a little bit of drama, a lot of heart, and a whole lot of “aww” this past week locally, where several tiny ducklings found themselves in a tight spot — literally. That’s right, we said duckling rescues and they took place in both Folsom and El Dorado Hills the same week.
Starting with the Folsom Police Department, Animal Control Officer Janet Bradley was dispatched after a concerned call came in about a group of ducklings that had taken a wrong turn and tumbled down a storm drain, leaving their frantic mother pacing above.
What followed wasn’t your typical call for service — but it was one that mattered just the same.
With Mama Duck standing guard nearby, Officer Bradley climbed down into the narrow, below-ground drain, navigating the confined space to reach the stranded ducklings. One by one, the tiny adventurers were gently scooped up and lifted back to safety, each rescue drawing them closer to a full family reunion above.
Onlookers watched as the scene unfolded, a mix of tension and anticipation quickly giving way to smiles as each duckling made it back to the surface. Within minutes, all six were reunited with their mother, who wasted no time gathering her brood and leading them away — a little wiser, and certainly a little more cautious about storm drains.
While the call may not have involved flashing lights or high-speed urgency, it showcased a different side of public safety — one rooted in compassion, patience, and a willingness to go above and beyond, even when it means heading below ground.
Folsom wasn’t alone in its recent bout of “fowl” play, either. Nearby crews with the El Dorado Hills reported a strikingly similar rescue, sharing on social media that the department rescued 15 ducklings from a storm drain. “ It is always nice to help animals in distress, the department shared. El Dorado Hills Fire is honored to serve our community.”
The parallel moments highlight just how common — and just how important — these small but meaningful rescues can be across the region.
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