Mammal · GBIF taxon 5219840
Norway Lemming
Lemmus lemmusAlso known as Norwegian Lemming
Norway lemmings inhabit the tundra and mountain fells of Fennoscandia, well known for their dramatic population cycles and long-distance movements. Boldly patterned in bright yellow-brown and black markings, these feisty rodents aggressively defend themselves against intruders with loud squeaks and lunges. Their winter activity takes place beneath deep snowpacks, where they carve subnivean tunnel networks to feast on mosses and sedges.
TundraEndemicRodent
Licensed referenceArgus fin / Public domain · cc0
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mosses
- Sedges
- Grasses
Predators
- Arctic Fox
- Snowy Owl
- Long-tailed Jaeger
ThreatsClimate change affecting winter snowpack conditions
HabitatsArctic tundra, alpine fells, dwarf birch scrub
Life span1–3 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCricetidae
- SpeciesLemmus lemmus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a sharp bite if cornered or handled; observe quietly from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look for small runways worn into tundra moss and clipped plant stems.
- Handling: Never attempt to pick up wild lemmings, as they bite readily when threatened.
- Snowpack signs: Search for exposed subnivean dirt and moss tunnels as winter snow melts.
Predator Jonathen Pie https://unsplash.com/@r3dmax / CC0 · cc0
Predator (c) Bill Bouton, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Predator no rights reserved, uploaded by Kent P. McFarland · cc0
Close Relative
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