Brown Lemming
Lemmus sibiricus
appearance
range & habitat
reciprocal relationships
Lemmings give birth in both summer and winter and most lemmings live less than a year. Their population numbers fluctuate frequently, though their numbers soar approximately every four years. Lemmings are important food for snowy owls, falcons, weasels and other animals in the Arctic.
Lemmings can be found in the tundra and their populations have been stewarded through protection of alpine meadows, streams and banks. Lemmings have been eaten by the Inuit in the Keewatin District, Iglulik and Netsilik Inuit. However, due to their size they are not a significant part of the diet.