Lemming vs Muskrat
How does the Lemming compare to the Muskrat? They are both members of the Cricetidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Lemmus lemmus
- Ondatra zibethicus
- Classification
- Mammal
- Mammal
- Family
- Cricetidae
- Cricetidae
- Habitat
- Arctic tundra
- Freshwater wetlands
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Omnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 1-3 years
- 3-4 years in the wild
- Weight
- 20-115 grams
- 0.7–2 kg (1.5–4.4 lbs)
Lemming vs Muskrat: who would win?

Lemming
20-115 grams

Muskrat
0.7–2 kg (1.5–4.4 lbs)
Muskrat wins high confidence
Muskrat is substantially heavier (0.7–2 kg (1.5–4.4 lbs) vs 20-115 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are mammals.
- Both belong to the Cricetidae family.
- Both are listed as Least Concern.
Differences
- Habitat: Arctic tundra vs Freshwater wetlands.
- Diet: herbivore vs omnivore.
- Weight: 20-115 grams vs 0.7–2 kg (1.5–4.4 lbs).
Lemming vs Muskrat: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Lemming or a Muskrat?
Muskrat wins. Muskrat is substantially heavier (0.7–2 kg (1.5–4.4 lbs) vs 20-115 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a Lemming and a Muskrat?
Lemming and Muskrat differ in several ways — habitat: arctic tundra vs freshwater wetlands. diet: herbivore vs omnivore. weight: 20-115 grams vs 0.7–2 kg (1.5–4.4 lbs).
Do Lemming and Muskrat live in the same habitat?
No — Lemming lives in arctic tundra, while Muskrat is found in freshwater wetlands.
What do Lemming and Muskrat eat?
Lemming has a herbivore diet, while Muskrat has a omnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Lemming or the Muskrat?
Lemming is listed as Least Concern, while Muskrat is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Lemming and Muskrat?
Lemming weighs around 20-115 grams, while Muskrat weighs around 0.7–2 kg (1.5–4.4 lbs).

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Lemming

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Muskrat

