Sugar Land Animal Services Rescues Ducklings from Storm Drains

Officers responded to two separate calls just hours apart involving trapped ducklings.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:54pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph showing the blurred outline of a storm drain partially obscured by water droplets, with a faint reflection of ducklings swimming nearby, conveying the perilous situation these baby animals can face.As storm season approaches, local animal services departments brace for an increase in calls to rescue baby animals like ducklings trapped in dangerous situations.Sugar Land Today

Last Thursday, Sugar Land Animal Services officers responded to two separate calls just hours apart involving ducklings trapped in storm drains. The officers were able to rescue the first group of five ducklings and reunite them with their mother, and later rescued a second group using a net. The rescues highlight the significant number of wildlife calls the department receives, with nearly 60% of their calls involving animals other than just cats and dogs.

Why it matters

As storm season and warmer weather approach, Sugar Land Animal Services expects to see an increase in calls involving baby animals, including ducklings, that may become trapped or injured. The department urges residents not to attempt risky rescues on their own and to instead contact professionals for assistance.

The details

Animal Service Officers Ethan Matthews and Patricia Flores were able to successfully rescue the ducklings, with Matthews noting it was 'very dangerous' due to the proximity of the drain to the water and the depth of the drain. The officers said teamwork was critical during the rescues to ensure no one got hurt. Sugar Land Animal Services said wildlife calls make up nearly 60% of their workload, including rescues involving possums, alligators, snakes, birds, bats, tortoises and raccoons.

  • Last Thursday, Sugar Land Animal Services officers responded to the two separate calls involving ducklings trapped in storm drains.
  • As the weather warms and storm season ramps up, Sugar Land Animal Services expects to see an increase in calls involving baby animals.

The players

Ethan Matthews

An Animal Service Officer with Sugar Land Animal Services who responded to the duckling rescue calls.

Patricia Flores

An Animal Service Officer with Sugar Land Animal Services who responded to the duckling rescue calls.

Melissa Hobson

The administrator for Sugar Land Animal Services, who warned of the increased risk as storm season approaches.

Sugar Land Animal Services

The local animal services department that responded to the duckling rescue calls and handles a significant number of wildlife-related calls.

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What they’re saying

“It was very dangerous for the both of us just due to how close the drain was to the water, and it was a very deep drain.”

— Ethan Matthews, Animal Service Officer

“We had to take our time getting those ducks out, because we didn't want anyone getting hurt during this process.”

— Ethan Matthews, Animal Service Officer

“We do get a lot of injured animals as well as wildlife, and we try to take care of them the best way we know how.”

— Ethan Matthews, Animal Service Officer

“As storm season and hurricane season starts to come, there's a lot more risk.”

— Melissa Hobson, Administrator, Sugar Land Animal Services

“Don't attempt to do it yourself, there's professionals that are trained to do it, and it's a lot safer that way.”

— Melissa Hobson, Administrator, Sugar Land Animal Services

What’s next

As storm season approaches, Sugar Land Animal Services expects to see an increase in calls involving baby animals that may become trapped or injured. The department urges residents to contact them or other wildlife rescue groups for assistance, rather than attempting risky rescues themselves.

The takeaway

The duckling rescues by Sugar Land Animal Services highlight the department's significant workload involving wildlife calls, which make up nearly 60% of their total calls. With storm season approaching, the department warns of the increased risk to baby animals and emphasizes the importance of contacting trained professionals for assistance rather than attempting dangerous rescues.