CLAYTON, DE- Following an increase in duck fatalities, a Clayton farmer is raising concerns about speeding cars on Alley Mill Road, endangering wildlife.
Ashley Holmes lives and works on Alley Mill Farm, which her family has owned since the 1940s.
The farm sits just off Route 6, where Holmes says five ducks were struck and killed by vehicles in the past week alone.
"Recently, because there's been so much movement with the ducks, so many have been dying on this road. And so even just this week, we've lost five."
Holmes says the ducks leave her property each spring to access nearby nesting grounds, often crossing the road.
"So the hens are laying eggs right now and we have nests all over the farm, and their travel does not stop at the roadway."
For Holmes, the issue is not just about saving ducks—it's about promoting environmental responsibility.
"We understand these ducks are wild. They don't belong to anyone, per se. But I think if we all do our part to just help protect the wildlife in whatever ways that we can, that's important."
To help raise awareness, Holmes contacted the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) to request a duck crossing sign.
However, the agency denied the request, citing concerns over the effectiveness of such signage.
C.R. McLeod, with DelDOT, says he feels adding a duck crossing sign, as Holmes requested, will not be an effective solution.
"Unfortunately, DelDOT has moved away from putting up warning signs regarding animal crossings. We've just found that they're not as effective in really getting people to slow down."
McLeod added that the department does not plan to take further action because there have been no officially reported animal-related crashes on Alley Mill Road.
"We just ask that people be attentive behind the wheel and pay attention."
Though DelDOT will not install signage, the department continues to urge drivers to stay alert and reduce their speed on the rural road.