Mallard Shot With Crossbow Bolt: Patient 20-338

Nicknamed “Lucky”, this adult male Mallard came to us in early June. State Game Warden Ritter responded to a call regarding a Mallard shot with an arrow near Wrightsville. Upon arriving at the scene, it became clear that the arrow was actually a crossbow bolt. The PA Game Commission actively searched for leads on who may have committed this horrible crime and act of cruelty, but as far as we know, no one was charged.

That’s One Lucky Duck!

Lucky came to us with the bolt still through his body. We stabilized him and rushed him to our vet partners at East York Vet Center. They were able to trim the bolt, but he was too unstable for anesthesia and surgery. He spent several more days with us with the bolt still through his entire body and right wing before going into surgery later on.

The surgery was a success. The bolt was removed and the entry/exit wounds were stitched shut. He had significant damage to his right lung, but it improved since his original x-rays the day he arrived.

Lucky recovered well and was moved out to an outdoor pen once he started becoming more active. Unfortunately, he was too eager to start using his right wing and stressed a hairline fracture. The fracture also developed an infection because of the bolt’s entrance point. After more x-rays and another round of antibiotics, he was feeling better.

Lucky the Role Model

In addition to his own recovery, Lucky had the important job of being a role model for other orphaned Mallards. Not every adult duck will readily foster orphans, especially males, but both Lucky and the ducklings benefited from having the company of each other. 

After five weeks of medical treatments, follow-up x-rays and more time to regain his wing strength, Lucky was cleared for release! We were happy to have several of his duckling friends, now fully grown, ready to release as well.

Lucky took off in a beautiful flight after release but came back once his friends didn’t follow. We are thrilled to see them back where they belong in the wild. 

Thank you to everyone who donated toward Lucky’s medical bills and care. We couldn’t have happy endings like this without you! Thank you to Dr. Lopresto and the team at East York Veterinary Center for their wonderful care and willingness to see Lucky. Thank you to everyone who helped share Lucky’s story or provided tips to the PA Game Commission through their Operation Game Thief Tip Line. You all make miracles like this possible!