The lemming is a rodent, and inhabits the north of Canada. They have a pointed snout, short legs with clawed feet, small ears and a short tail. They also have whiskers, and use them in the same way as cats. They are about 10-15 cms long, and weigh about 80 grams.

The lemming is a herbivore, thus eating only plants. They feed mainly on grass, but also eat foods such as berries, moss, seeds or roots.

Lemmings can move fast, and they also make their own paths through the grass or snow. They use these pathways as a quick getaway if they are under attack, or just to find food.

Lemmings are a favorite prey for many Canadian animals. The arctic fox can sniff out lemmings in their burrows, even when they are covered in snow!

The lemming survives only about two years in the wild. Their numbers fluctuate dramatically in two or three yearly cycles. Animals that hunt lemmings for food can often kill a large number, causing their population to decrease. On the other hand, lemmings breed rapidly and often their numbers are too big to support the amount of food in the area. In this case, lemmings will find a new home whilst in the search of food.

A female lemming can give birth to about eight young, and this can happen every five weeks.

In the summer the lemming has a brown coat, but in the winter it is all white. This aids the lemming by camouflaging itself with the snow, and protects from predators such as the snowy owl.

Further Information on the Lemming:

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