Momma Duck and Ducklings Epic Story - A Reminder to Not Play Around the Ponds

For the past several years, the residents of building 1000 have witnessed the heartbreak of a mother duck's relentless attempts to have ducklings on a second floor porch. This year, she moved to building 1100 and successfully hatched ducklings.

But her troubles do not stop there. On Monday last week, mother duck and her little band of followers decided to visit the pond behind building 1000. Unfortunately, mother duck can not read the warning sign about no fishing or swimming due to alligators. Just as mother duck was entering the water, she was attacked by an alligator but eventually was able to flee to safety with her ducklings. She had obvious wing, leg, and possible back damage from the encounter.

On Tuesday, mother duck and three ducklings made it to the pool. She was in obvious need of medical care from her attack. Several Retreat residents and helpful children rounded up the duck and ducklings, and they were graciously taken in free of charge by the Dorchester Veterinary Hospital. They were all treated for the chlorine water exposure, and the mother duck's injuries are still on the mend. The ducklings are doing fine. They will all be eventually released into a duck conservancy where there are no more alligators to torment this little family. The alligator in the 1000 pond was evaluated on Thursday. It showed no signs of unprovoked aggression and thus was allowed to stay on Retreat property.

Please consider this mother duck's story a warning to you and your family. Alligators are a natural part of the South Carolina environment, should be respected, and not considered a nuisance. Signs are posted at each pond warning about alligators and to not fish or swim in the pond. In other words, do not disturb the alligators. Please do not let your children, grandchildren or pets play at the water's edge. An alligator can move extremely fast when attacking, and you might not be able to get away fast enough.