What: Leeches
Where: Shallow waters, under stones, logs, docks and attached to aquatic plants
Telltale Signs: When leeches bite, they inject an anticoagulant
(blood thinner) into the bloodstream so they can freely feast until they
are full, at which point they fall off the host’s body. This causes a
small red sore at the bite site that continues to ooze blood until the
anticoagulant wears off.
Health Risks: Blood can remain in leeches for months after a
feeding, so blood bacteria, parasites and diseases, such as HIV, can be
transmitted to humans.
