Where did the "jumping off cliffs" story come from? The myth was heavily promoted by a 1958 Disney documentary called White Wilderness , which staged the scene using migratory lemmings captured in Canada.
The true story of the lemming is far more intriguing than the misconception, painting a picture of a resilient, fiery little rodent that plays a critical role in the Arctic ecosystem. Let's separate fact from fiction. ❄️ What is a Lemming? lemming
Lemmings are small rodents, closely related to voles, that live in the Arctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are adapted to extreme cold, living under the snow in the (the space between the ground and the snowpack) to stay warm and protected. Where did the "jumping off cliffs" story come from
During population peaks, lemmings disperse in large numbers to find new habitats and food, which can lead to dramatic mass movements. Let's separate fact from fiction
Contrary to being obedient, mindless followers, Norway lemmings are actually quite solitary and independent. During their, at times, overcrowded population peaks, they don't get along—males have been observed boxing and wrestling with each other, which may actually be a driving factor in their migration away from their home range. 📉 The Impact of Climate Change