Leech found on duck near Selawik.
Observation by Janet Mitchell
These photos were posted on facebook by my nephew Brian Ramoth at Selawik. He caught those ducks near Selawik, looks like by a lake or a creek.
Comments from LEO editors
Leech parasitism on waterfowl has been widely documented throughout North America. A waterfowl leech will often attach itself to the eyes and nasal chamber of it's host, and in some cases the body, legs, and feet. In 1974, a number of geese in Southcentral Alaska were found to have leech parasites in their eyes. Leaches in waterfowl has been documented far less often in Alaska than the rest of the U.S. (Trauger and Bartonek. USFWS. 1977). But it is unclear whether it is less common or just less documented.
According to the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game, leeches are opportunistic feeders, meaning they'll use any food source they come in contact with, and they live in most Alaskan waters. So, it isn't too worrisome that a duck was found with a leech attached to it. Elizabeth Lindley
Observations From Members 
Leech
