Leyak are said to fly trying to find a pregnant woman in order to suck her baby's blood or a newborn child.

Their mistress is the "queen of Leyak", a widow-witch named Rangda, who plays a prominent role in public rituals.

Leyak statues (a head with a very long tongue and sharp fangs) are sometimes hung on a wall for house decoration.

[1] A balian (Balinese traditional healer) will conduct a séance to identify with witchcraft who is responsible for the death.

However, vengeance by the victim's relatives or family is usually counseled against, and people are advised to leave any action to the spirits themselves.