Why am I talking about lion's shares if we are dealing with metaphorical leeches? I shouldn't undercut my own argument just for the sake of wisecracking, but I can't resist saying "If life gives you leeches, make hirudin."
See also
http://www.news.wisc.edu/releases/6900.html
http://www.news.wisc.edu/newsphotos/leech.html
But I think the University of Wisconsin may find that their leech exceeds their grasp.