Ducks and bees, oh my …
May 14, 2026, 7:31 AM | Updated: 7:31 am
North View Fire District rescued baby ducks that fell into a storm drain. (North View Fire District)
(North View Fire District)
SALT LAKE CITY — You know it’s springtime when two different fire crews saved around 25 million bees and some baby ducks on the same day.
In Parley’s Canyon on Tuesday, firefighters were on hand to help save millions of bees after a semitruck carrying the bees broke down in the canyon.
“While mechanics worked on the truck, firefighters carefully used a hose to mist the trailer and keep the bees cool, calm, and safe in the heat,” the Unified Fire Authority said.
According to UFA, high temperatures put the bees at risk of dying since the truck was at a standstill and couldn’t provide the bees with a nice cool breeze by moving along the canyon’s roadway.
“Honestly, one of the coolest reminders that first responders don’t just save people … sometimes they save 25 million bees too,” UFA said.
The semitruck contained 480 hives and each hive housed around 40,000 to 60,000 honey bees. No firefighters were stung as crews worked to keep the bees cool.
Also on Tuesday in North Ogden, the North View Fire District helped rescue some ducklings that had fallen into a storm drain.
“While calls like these may seem less significant, they reflect our commitment to protecting life and serving our community in every capacity, big or small,” the fire district said.
The baby ducks were reunited with their mom and guided to a safer location.
Other stories related to ducks and bees:
How to help baby birds that have fallen from their nest
1 million bees make for bumper-to-buzzer traffic on a Tennessee highway ramp
