Lemming

Lemmings are small rodents in the subfamily Arvicolinae, found in northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia, especially Arctic and subarctic habitats.

Lemmings are small rodents in the subfamily Arvicolinae, found in northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia, especially Arctic and subarctic habitats. They are known for population cycles and occasional large migrations, which have contributed to popular myths about mass suicide that are not true.

What it is

Lemmings are small northern rodents with thick fur, short tails, and small ears. They belong to the same subfamily as voles and muskrats, with about 20 species across genera like Lemmus, Dicrostonyx, Myopus, and Synaptomys. Their diet is mostly plant matter, including grasses, mosses, roots, and sedges.

Why it matters

In Canada, lemmings are part of Arctic and northern wildlife, serving as an important herbivore in tundra food webs. Their dramatic population fluctuations and migrations can affect predators like foxes and owls, making them a key species in northern ecosystems.

Key details

Lemmings live in Arctic tundra, taiga, and other cold habitats across the Northern Hemisphere. They are adapted to cold with thick fur and burrowing. The popular idea that lemmings deliberately jump off cliffs is a myth—they generally avoid water, though accidental drowning can occur during movement.