Lemmings are small, burrowing rodents found primarily in the Arctic and subarctic regions. They belong to the family Cricetidae and are known for their short tails, small ears, and thick fur. Lemmings primarily feed on grasses, mosses, and other vegetation, and they play a crucial role in their ecosystem by serving as prey for various predators.
One of the most famous myths about lemmings is that they engage in mass suicide by jumping off cliffs. This misconception likely originated from their periodic population booms, which can lead to large migrations. During these migrations, some lemmings may accidentally fall into water or off cliffs, but this behavior is not intentional.