Robot lawnmower suspected in deaths of three ducklings in Struer

A wildlife protection worker in Struer, Denmark, says a robotic lawnmower likely killed three ducklings found dead in Lystanlægget park on Friday evening.

Jan Johansen of Dyrenes Beskyttelse told DR he discovered the ducklings in the grass where the machine operates, with a mother duck and a single surviving duckling nearby. He described the scene as distressing.

Johansen shared photos of the incident on Facebook, where it drew over 1,000 reactions, 124 comments, and 69 shares in the group “Alt om Struer.” Many commenters expressed anger, with some calling for vigilante action against the machines, such as flipping them over or throwing them into water.

Johansen condemned such suggestions, stating he did not believe the incident was intentional. “My intention is just to raise awareness that we need to consider how we use these robotic lawnmowers—they are machines, and they are dangerous,” he said.

DR has contacted Struer Municipality, which maintains the park, for comment on whether the incident will prompt a change in grass-cutting practices near the ducks. The municipality has not yet responded.