Leeches Force Closure of Lake Minnewaska Swimming Beach in Kerhonkson, New York

It sounds like something out of an old sci-fi movie, but there is nothing fictional about it.

New York's Lake Minnewaska beach is closed at least through Wednesday. July 2, 2014 after leeches have become prevalent in the water.  The Lake Awosting area at the park is still open.

The New York State Department of Parks has shut down the lake, located in Ulster County, while workers apply copper sulfate to the water.

During the treatment period swimmers and boaters are prohibited from the lakes.  Drinking, fishing, and livestock watering from the water is also banned until treatments are completed.

Leeches are (internally) segmented worms that live mostly in freshwater in many parts of the world.  There are about seven hundred species of the organism, most of whom suck blood from animals.  Although most think leeches as marine-based, there are about ninety species that live on land.

Leeches usually attach to outer parts of the host's body, but can attach to internal parts as well.  Bloodsuckers attached to mucous membranes require detachment by a medical professional.  Others can usually be detached using a fingernail, taking care to remove the oral sucker.  Note that leeches have suckers at both ends, and either can attach to a host.

Throughout history leeches have been used medically for the anticoagulant properties of their saliva.  Modern medicine has replaced widespread use of the leech.  Today's remedies pay homage to the creatures with synthetic versions of hirudin, the active chemical in their saliva.  These are particularly useful to patients who are allergic to other anticoagulants.

For more information on Lake Minnewaska, members of the public can call: (845) 255.0752.