The Norway Lemming, scientifically known as Lemmus lemmus, is a rodent inhabiting the Arctic tundras. Its coat, unlike that of other rodents, can be quite noticeable in appearance: gray with reddish-brown stripes or tawny and black. Other physical characteristics include short legs and stump of a tail as well as a round body and nose.
The shape of a Norway Lemming’s claws help it burrow into the snow-- a necessary action in the winter for protection as it does not hibernate. In the spring however, the lemming moves from the tundra to higher areas. Lemmings are known to reproduce at rapid rates, leading to aggressive population fluctuations.
Norway Lemmings have a height of 2.2”-2.6” (5.5-6.5 cm), body length between 5.1”-6.3” (13-16 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 2.5-4.6 oz (70-130 g). The tail length of a Norway Lemming is .4”-.75” (10-19 mm). Norway Lemmings have a typical lifespan of 1-2 years in the wild and 2-3 years in captivity.
The Norway Lemming, scientifically known as Lemmus lemmus, is a rodent inhabiting the Arctic tundras. Its coat, unlike that of other rodents, can be quite noticeable in appearance: gray with reddish-brown stripes or tawny and black. Other physical characteristics include short legs and stump of a tail as well as a round body and nose.
The shape of a Norway Lemming’s claws help it burrow into the snow-- a necessary action in the winter for protection as it does not hibernate. In the spring however, the lemming moves from the tundra to higher areas. Lemmings are known to reproduce at rapid rates, leading to aggressive population fluctuations.
Norway Lemmings have a height of 2.2”-2.6” (5.5-6.5 cm), body length between 5.1”-6.3” (13-16 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 2.5-4.6 oz (70-130 g). The tail length of a Norway Lemming is .4”-.75” (10-19 mm). Norway Lemmings have a typical lifespan of 1-2 years in the wild and 2-3 years in captivity.
