Homepage > Pittsburgh News

Woman Takes Ducks Under Wing In Elizabeth

POSTED: 4:16 pm EDT August 30, 2006
UPDATED: 6:24 pm EDT August 30, 2006

A flock of ducks in Elizabeth Borough has one neighbor full of joy and others upset.

The ducks, a couple of which have no feet, possibly due to winter frostbite, have been in the area for what some say has been 20 years.

The woman who cares for them and feeds them said she's doing the area a public service by feeding them.

"Well, it started because the ducks were coming into town and tapping on doors of restaurants and pizza shops for food and they were on the streets and I just tried to find out, started investigating why they were doing that because I didn't think it was normal and found out that they were actually hungry," said Debbie Metz of Elizabeth, Pa.

The man who used to feed the ducks passed away, which is when Metz said she took over.

At first, Metz started feeding the ducks dog food, but borough leaders said she was attracting rats, so she switched to corn. Borough leaders then asked Metz to move her feeding location, which she said she did five times.

"I feel sorry for them," said Metz. "They're already subject to frost bite and no shelter and they can't migrate to a new food source. They can't fly. They would starve."

Because the ducks can't fly, they must endure icy Mon-Valley winters, said Metz.

"They just walk on their little peg legs and the other one had disappeared for a little while and then when he had returned, he could no longer get up on his little legs, so I took him to a wildlife rescue where he'll probably have to be euthanized," said Metz.

Some residents want the ducks out of their neighborhood, but since the ducks aren’t really wild, nor are they domesticated, it is hard for both sides to come to a compromise.

"They're kind of a grey area and nobody really wants them," said Metz.


Related Links:
More County News


Links We Like

Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

Want to lose weight? Get a diet and fitness plan customized for you from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Sponsored Links