Mallard ducks can often be seen in Babylon Town's Southard's Pond

A disturbing discovery in a Town of Babylon creek has launched a full-scale investigation and a desperate race to save a family of mallard ducks.

A local resident alerted authorities after spotting a mother duck and her two ducklings discolored and in distress on August 24, 2025.

Environmental Conservation Officer DeRose responded to the scene, confirming the birds were coated in what appeared to be a petroleum product.

It was a grim sight that demanded immediate action.

With help from the homeowner, Officer DeRose carefully managed to wrangle the impacted duck family.

They were quickly transported to the Sweetbriar Nature Center in nearby Smithtown for emergency care.

The wildlife rescue effort was intensive.

Staff at the nature center worked alongside the officer, repeatedly washing the frightened birds to remove the hazardous substance.

Remarkably, the treatment showed significant improvements.

The ducks have since regained much of their natural color and are reportedly eating well, a hopeful sign for their recovery.

They will remain at the Suffolk County facility until they are healthy enough for release back into the wild.

Meanwhile, the source of the apparent mallard ducks spill remains a mystery.

DEC Spills experts and Town of Babylon officials are now investigating the incident, hoping to find who is responsible for the dangerous creek pollution.