In the wild, it is found in steppes and semiarid environments in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, northwestern China, and western Mongolia.

In captivity, they can live over two years, but they are usually mistreated with small cages (A suitable space larger than average is best for a colony of rodents[4]) and improper diets.

If there is only one separate nesting area, two entrances or exits should be placed, due to the attack style of the more impetuous lemmings.

No matter where any grass or moss has been obtained, and even if it is only intended for bedding, it should be kept in a freezer for three days to eliminate parasites such as lice and mites.

Lemmings can drink from a shallow dish, but since they typically track their bedding into the water, a bottle with a ball valve is better.

Lemmings enjoy any kind of running or climbing; however, as their habitat is essentially flat and rather featureless terrain, they have a poor sense of height and danger, so their enclosures should not be high enough to allow them to fall more than 10–15 cm and should, of course, be lined with wood chips and hay.

Once a male has become aggressive - even with an outsider - he should be considered dangerous, watched very closely and - if possible - be neutered and placed with a group of females.

The aggressor will try to trap the defending lemming in a corner and then attack with his teeth and short claws.

Excited chirps, chattering and running typically accompany a fight - in most cases, the whole colony will be disturbed.

(While activity of this kind is amusing for new owners, it should be observed very carefully, since peaceful lemming colonies are much quieter than ones characterized by aggressive behavior.)

A veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics and infection retardants to help an injured lemming, generally at reasonable costs.