As with most phobias, Anatidaephobia is typically caused by a real-life trauma usually taking place during childhood. Perhaps the person had a bad experience with ducks or geese and now feels vulnerable to them.

The video displayed to the right shows a good example of how one might acquire this fear.

While this may sound comical, think of it this way: As a child, if you were harassed by an older man with a creepy trench-coat, then wouldn't you be scared of creepy looking men with trench-coats?

For some, the answer might be no. For others, like people suffering from Anatidaephobia, this feeling can really stay in ones mind and take a toll on an individual's life.