Lemming populations are famous for their dramatic fluctuations, often peaking every 3 to 5 years. These "lemming years" are crucial for the Arctic environment:
: As herbivores, they feed on mosses, grasses, shoots, and roots. The Infamous "Suicide" Myth
: In winter, they live in extensive tunnel systems beneath the snow, which provides insulation and protection from predators.
One of the most persistent biological myths is that lemmings commit mass suicide by jumping off cliffs. This misconception was largely popularized by the 1958 Disney documentary , which staged a "death march" that never actually happens in nature.