Springtime brings more opportunities for people to encounter fledgling ducklings on roads and lawns, but a local group is warning well-meaning members of the public from getting too involved in helping out.

Rock Wildlife Rescue has posted a number of guidelines on its Facebook page outlining the dos and don’ts when you encounter ducklings in your travels.

There are numerous areas in and around metro where it’s not uncommon to see a duck and her ducklings crossing the road.

Karen Gosse Browne says ducklings are everywhere this time of year, and best practice is simply to slow down.

“We see a mom trying to cross the road with her ducklings, but if we intervene we usually cause more trouble than good. She can take flight, the ducklings scatter without mom and then you have an entire mess of ducklings running around on the road.” She advises that people slow down, keep an eye out, and exercise patience as ducks cross the road.