Some ducks had a lucky escape but caused a three-car pile-up near Queenstown.
Sergeant Brian Cameron, of Queenstown, said a car stopped suddenly to avoid hitting ducks which were crossing State Highway 6, near the Lake Hayes Showground, at 4pm on Thursday.
The vehicle behind it also had to stop suddenly and was hit from behind by a third car.
The second car was shunted into the first car, he said.
None of the occupants were injured but the cars had minor to moderate damage.
Sgt Cameron said charges were likely to be laid against the driver of the third car, who had failed to keep a safe stopping distance behind the car in front.
But he warned motorists about stopping in such circumstances.
"You can't put the life of wildfowl ahead of other people."
