Amorous ducks' 'aggressive mating' will destroy tourism, market town fears

[Donna]

A number of male drakes have become engaged in the "wild mob-handed mating technique" when chasing female partners in the breeding season, Thirsk locals said.

Experts say the birds have become aggressive due to the decreasing number of females throughout the area.
 
Now residents fear the bad behaviour from the passionate birds, which live around Cod Beck, near the town centre, will destroy local tourism.

With duck mating season approaching, Thirsk Town Council has held crisis talks with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the RSPB to try and solve the problem.

New homes have been located for some of the birds but locals fear the banished birds will simply fly back into the area.

"The problem can be distressing for young children and we’ve had a number of complaints about this issue," said town councillor Alan Morton.

"The law forbids us from shooting them or anything like that and we’re working within the law and talking to groups about this."

North Yorkshire County councillor for Thirsk, Gareth Dadd, added: "Although some people think this is a bit quakers it could actually cause offence to some.

"Perhaps this is a problem that we need to take a serious view on."

A RSPB spokesman said: "This is quite a familiar scenario when it comes to ducks and when it comes to mating they are quite aggressive.

"It’s an interesting problem."