Collared Lemming

Dicrostonyx groenlandicus

The Collared Lemming is the only rodent in the world that turns completely white in winter, a seasonal molt that provides camouflage against Arctic snow. In winter, its front claws enlarge into double-pronged digging tools for excavating vegetation beneath packed snow. These lemmings are well adapted to the harshest Arctic environments and form a critical base of the High Arctic food web.

Habitat

High Arctic tundra, rocky barrens, and snowfields

Diet

Willows, sedges, forbs, and mosses

How common

Uncommon

Not certain it is a Collared Lemming? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.