A duckling rows along The Duck Pond in Athens.

More than a dozen fuzzy ducklings and their mother are now inhabiting The Duck Pond in Athens.

Lynne Hart, executive director of Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, said she first noticed the 16 new ducklings the middle of last week at the pond in Big Spring Park on Market Street.

“I haven’t been watching these as closely as I did the ducklings last year, because it’s sad,” said Hart, whose office is next to the park.

Last year, the same mother duck had an even dozen ducklings. Hart and staff gleefully watched them. However, their numbers dwindled a few at a time until there were only two survivors, so Hart couldn’t stand to watch it again this year, she said.

She suspects an animal got them — turtles, cat, coyote or some other predator.

Visitors to The Duck Pond can watch the birds and even feed them with food obtained from the coin-operated duck food dispenser.

Ben Wiley, head of cemetery, parks and recreation for the city, said the city does not stock the pond with ducks.

“People just get tired of them and drop them off at The Duck Pond,” he said.

Big Spring Park has other amenities, including a pavilion, playground and tennis courts.