When a young couple on vacation in Florida decided to take a leisurely afternoon stroll through a park, they had no idea that they were about to save a life. But that's exactly what happened.

The pair came upon a duck sitting in the grass who didn't attempt to waddle away or even stand up as they neared. On closer inspection, they saw why. The duck's left leg was broken and was dangling limply from his body. Unable to move, he stared helplessly up at them.

The couple called PETA for help, and we quickly contacted a reputable wildlife rehabilitator nearby. The rehabilitator rushed to the park while the couple waited with the duck. Within an hour of the couple's worried phone call, the injured duck was out of harm's way and headed to get help.

Often, saving an animal's life is just that easy.

activeoutdoorsconcierge / CC

Believe me, if anyone can appreciate the thrill of the hunt, c'est moi. Seriously, I can spend hours in a Goodwill store, tracking rare vintage vinyl and bagging unique treasures.

But if you want a surefire way to ruffle my feathers, show me a man with a gun setting out with his canine buddy to maim and kill ducks. Now tell me that said dog shot the hunter in his back, sending him to the hospital—which is what happened to one California man this weekend—and I can't help but hope that the hunter, once he recovers, will have a change of heart and find a more constructive way to spend his weekends.

Written by Karin Bennett