BITTEN by LEECHES!

TL;DR

Coyote Peterson tests two different species of leeches, one that feeds on blood and one that doesn't, to show that not all leeches suck human blood.

Transcript

• I don't think that there's anything that can truly prepare you for sticking your arm into a container full of leeches. My arm is shaking a little bit. It's the real deal. I'm not gonna lie. I am definitely nervous. Oh my gosh. They are just squirming all over the place. This is gonna be intense. I'm Coyote Peterson and I'm about to be eaten alive... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤱 Not all leeches feed on human blood, and some species are not interested in attaching to humans.
• 🥶 Freshwater leeches in North America primarily feed on smaller invertebrates or cold-blooded species.
• 😷 European medicinal leeches have been used in medical procedures and are known for their blood-sucking abilities.
• 🥺 Removing leeches incorrectly can lead to infections, it is best to slide them off gently.
• 🚫 Leech bites can cause bleeding and discomfort but are not dangerous to humans.
• 🤱 Nearly 700 species of leeches exist, and only a small percentage feed on human blood.
• ❓ Leeches do not transmit diseases and have never caused a human death.

Questions & Answers

Q: Are leeches dangerous to humans?

No, leeches do not transmit diseases and have never caused a human death. Their bites are typically harmless, though they may cause bleeding and discomfort.

Q: How do leeches suck blood?

Leeches have an anti-coagulant enzyme in their saliva that numbs the skin and prevents blood from clotting. They have teeth that slice into the skin, and they consume blood through their mouths.

Q: Can leeches cause infections?

Yes, removing leeches incorrectly can cause their teeth to break off in the wound and lead to infection. It is best to gently slide the leech off using the edge of the finger.

Q: How long does it take for a leech to be fully engorged?

In the experiment, after about 60 seconds, most of the European medicinal leeches were fully attached to Coyote's arm and had become swollen with blood.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Coyote Peterson has never had a leech bite in 20 years of catching turtles in various bodies of water.

• Freshwater leeches, commonly found in North America, do not have an interest in sucking human blood.

• European medicinal leeches, however, are known for feasting on blood and latch onto Coyote's arm during the experiment.