Brown Lemmi~g <FRESH | SUMMARY>

Brown lemmings are among the most rapid breeders of any vertebrate:

: They possess small ears and short tails hidden in thick fur to conserve heat. Unlike some other species, their coat does not change to white in winter, though it may grow longer and greyer. brown lemmi~g

: Unique among many rodents, they can continue to breed under the snow in winter if food and insulation are sufficient. Brown lemmings are among the most rapid breeders

: They are strictly herbivorous, consuming up to several times their body weight in fresh plant material each day. Their diet shifts from fresh grasses and sedges in summer to frozen green plant material and moss shoots in winter. The Population "Cycle" : They are strictly herbivorous, consuming up to

: Brown lemmings have rounded bodies with reddish-brown backs and rumps, and grey heads and shoulders.

: When populations peak, they become the primary food source for many predators, including snowy owls, Arctic foxes, weasels, and even grizzly bears. In "low" years, many of these predators may fail to reproduce due to lack of food.