It is found in the taiga biome of China, Estonia, Finland, Mongolia, Norway, Russia, and Sweden.

The high female sex ratio may be an adaptation against local mate competition and inbreeding during population low points.

This migratory behavior was exaggerated in popular stories about lemmings; innumerable numbers dash down the hillsides and fall down over rocks into the sea, only to drown.

[5] The size of home ranges between male and female wood lemmings varies greatly.

[6] Lemmings gravitate towards areas with abundant cover from predators, i.e., holes provided by decomposed trees, stumps, and mossy rock.

[6] The wood lemming is well adapted to live in cold climates due to its high thermogenic capacity, thermal insulation, and nonshivering thermogenesis.

[7] Compared to other voles, lemmings drink greater amounts of water, which may be why they seek moister areas in the spring and summer.