More than a dozen ducks mysteriously found dead near Pompano Beach pond, BSO investigates

More than a dozen ducks were found dead in and around a retention pond in Pompano Beach Friday morning, prompting an investigation by the Broward Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded shortly after 8 a.m. to a report of dead ducks in and around a pond in the 400 block of South Cypress Road, according to BSO. When deputies arrived, they found more than a dozen ducks dead.

"It absolutely breaks my heart," said Susie Shepherd, who visits the pond nearly every day and records the ducks for her YouTube channel. "It's a whole universe here. They are wonderful".

Shepherd said she did not notice anything wrong earlier in the week and that the deaths came as a shock. "It doesn't feel right. It doesn't sit right".

On Friday morning, BSO deputies placed yellow tape around the pond, placed dead ducks into garbage bags, and carried sick ducks away. BSO reported there were no visible signs of trauma, but necropsies are underway.

"A necropsy is a good start, but lab tests would need to be done," said Dr. Tess McPheeters, staff veterinarian at the South Florida Wildlife Center, the state's largest wildlife center.

McPheeters said there are several possibilities regarding what killed the ducks, including potential poisoning. "Toxins can show clinical signs, or it could be something infectious, whether viral or bacterial," she said.

How deputies were notified about the dead ducks

The pond is just south of Atlantic Boulevard, in an area surrounded by businesses, including a Publix, an urgent care center and a child care center.

Someone passing by the pond spotted the dead ducks along the shoreline and contacted authorities.

CBS News Miami crews at the scene saw several BSO deputies investigating the area. One deputy was seen carrying away a duck that was still alive but appeared to be unwell.

Photos sent to CBS News Miami showed several dead ducks scattered along the edge of the pond. The area is typically home to dozens of ducks, ibises, and other wildlife.

Deputies removed the dead ducks from the area.

People who work and live nearby expressed concern about the discovery.

"They belong here. It's not about liking them or not. We live in their house," one person said. "Of course, anytime animals are abused and killed, I mean, that's just disgusting."

Authorities have not yet determined what caused the ducks to die.

Stacey Price, executive director of the wildlife center, said officials expect to learn whether the incident is isolated or part of a broader issue.

"How is the environment or people affected by the animals — and this helps us get information to the public about what they can do," Price said.

Anyone who spots sick wildlife is asked to contact the center at 954-524-4302 or visit their website.