Lemming

What is a "lemming"?

Lemmings are small, herbivorous rodents that are native to the Arctic tundra and boreal forests of northern regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are known for their cyclic population fluctuations and their sometimes-erratic behavior, such as mass migrations and occasional population explosions. Lemmings have a stocky body with short legs and a short tail. Their fur can vary in color depending on the species and season, ranging from brown to gray or even white. Lemmings are known for their ability to burrow in the ground and construct complex tunnel systems for nesting and foraging. They primarily feed on plant materials, such as grasses, mosses, and shrubs. Lemmings are important prey for various predators in their ecosystems, including birds of prey, foxes, and other mammals. Despite the popular myth that lemmings engage in mass suicidal migrations, they are actually highly adapted to their harsh environments and exhibit various survival strategies to cope with their challenging habitats.