What Is Being Done About The Hybridization Problem?

Mottled Duck in Flight © Bill Lockhart

The release of mallards is prohibited in Florida under 68A-4.0052 of the Florida Administrative Code (FAC). Additionally, permits are needed for anyone to possess, buy or sell mallards in Florida.

More information on this Rule

FWC biologists believe though that the best way to reduce these releases and the resulting hybridization is through public information and education campaigns.

The FWC has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to facilitate direct control of feral mallard populations. FWC biologists along with Boston University developed a genetic technique to identify hybrids and determine the extent of hybridization. Periodic samples are taken of the mottled duck population to better assess the proportion and distribution of hybrids.

What You Can Do To Help

Because feral mallards exist in so many areas of the state, it will take the efforts of everyone to solve this problem. What can you do to help? Do not release mallards, and do not support existing feral mallards by feeding or sheltering them. If there are ponds and canals near you that have mallards on them during the summer, they are feral mallards. Help spread the word to friends and neighbors that releasing and supporting feral mallards is threatening our native Florida mottled duck.

It is unlawful by state law to release mallards and in Florida, all mallards are protected by federal law and cannot be touched unless one possesses the proper federal and state permits. Most people are uneducated on the issues of hybridization or the fact that releasing mallards is unlawful. If ponds in your neighborhood (golf course, housing development, etc.) have mallards, notify the manager of your concern regarding the problems these ducks can cause and ask for their commitment to not release any more mallards in the future.

If you would like additional information about the feral mallard hybridization problem or would like more information about the removal of mallards, please contact one of the FWC waterfowl offices at (850) 488-5878 or (321) 726-2862; or visit our Web site at www.MyFWC.com/duck and click on “mallard control permit.”

Licensed, permitted trappers may assist you with the removal of mallards. A list of trappers is available by visiting www.MyFWC.com/trappers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services also has the authority and can assist you with such removal efforts. Their services are available year-round and they can be contacted at (352) 377-5556.