Even I'm Grossed Out By This One

But I feel it's my duty to report the facts (as I find them on the Internet). Seems yamabiru, otherwise known as land leeches, have recently started to invade Japan's cities and villages. The little bloodsuckers ride into town on deer and wild boar, then proceed to drop off and wait for tastier hosts.

Says Shigekazu Tani, director of the Institute for Environmental Culture, "Yamabiru will climb into people's socks and stay for about an hour, growing five to 10 times in size. Unlike with water leeches, people don't immediately realize they've been bitten. Only later when they see their blood-soaked feet, do they realize what has happened."

Whoa. According to this article, the wee beasties start off a half inch in length and can grow to almost six inches. Imagine finding that in your sock!