Ducklings that were under attack from a swan at Tayport Pond have been dramatically rescued by locals.
The Courier reported on Tuesday that terrified children were left traumatised when the swan drowned three ducklings.
An animal welfare charity tried to capture the brood, but they could only round up the mother and two of its babies, which they later let go.
SSPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: ”We could only remove the animals if we caught the mother and all her babies at the same time, otherwise the remaining ducklings would starve to death.”
When the swan killed another three ducklings this week, residents decided to take matters into their own hands.
Morag Gibson, who organised the rescue, said: ”We got netting and formed a sort of cage then tried to entice them out of the pond with food.
”That wasn’t working so I went to the other side of the pond and distracted the swan, but I couldn’t hold his attention and he started chasing the ducklings around.”
Ms Gibson’s neighbour Alison Patty said: ”It took a bit of time for them to settle after that. They were hiding in the reeds.
”That was until the swan came charging up at them again. When it attacked they came running out of the pond into the netting, so the swan actually saved them. It was quite dramatic.”
The duckling were transferred into individual boxes and taken to Ms Patty’s back garden, where she had a guinea pig pen ready to hold them overnight.
The SSPCA has found a new home for the family of ducks, much to the relief of their rescuers.
”I couldn’t sleep at night knowing that they were constantly under threat,” said a mum who witnessed the swan attacking the ducklings.
”It’s the mothering instinct, knowing that this duck couldn’t protect her babies. It’s brilliant that they’re safe now and that they’re going to a loving home.”
Ms Gibson said: ”I’m sad that we lost so many ducklings but at least we saved 13, and the mother. I’m so proud of the people of Tayport. It just shows what can happen when people come together.”
It is believed that some of the ducklings may have been abandoned at the pond by a breeder.
Ms Gibson said: ”Someone is dumping ducks at that pond. This isn’t the first time it’s happened either. We’ve been keeping a diary and there has been four occasions.
”I think the swan knows that they’re not wild birds and that’s why he’s going for them, because he doesn’t attack other wildlife.”
Mr Flynn said: ”Our inquiries have now established that the mother duck may have been abandoned at the pond over a year ago and she has since mated with a mallard duck, producing her current clutch.
”We collected the female Indian runner duck and her 13 ducklings and we have now secured a new home for the family where they will be kept in a domestic setting.
”It is an offence to release domestic fowl into the wild therefore anyone with information relating to the original abandonment should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”