The lemming may be small, but it plays a big role in the alpine tundra and Arctic regions. Known for its population booms, the lemming is a fascinating rodent that stays active all year long—even in the freezing winters! Let’s explore what makes this little creature so important in its icy environment.


What Makes Lemmings So Unique?

  • Population Booms and Dispersal

    Lemmings are famous for their sudden population increases, known as "booms." During these times, their numbers can grow rapidly, and when food becomes scarce, they spread out over large areas to find new food sources. This natural “dispersal” helps keep their population balanced with the environment.

  • Herbivore Diet

    Lemmings are herbivores, feeding on grasses, mosses, and roots. Even though food is hard to find in winter, they don’t hibernate. Instead, they stay active year-round, searching for food even in the snow.

  • Winter Burrows

    To survive the harsh winter, lemmings create burrows under the snow. These burrows help them stay warm and give them a safe space to find food and shelter from predators.

  • Key Part of the Food Chain

    Lemmings are an important food source for many alpine predators, including snowy owls, arctic foxes, and weasels. Their population booms provide plenty of food for these predators, helping keep the alpine ecosystem in balance.

Think about this...

Why do you think lemmings don’t hibernate, even in cold winters?

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