The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word RATEL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
A
T
E
L
More clues leading to the result RATEL
- Carnivore's length added to value
- Carnivore heading for lair put on speed
- Animal gripped by hunger ate lots
- Classify large mammal
- Animal artist has permit rejected
- Badger-like creature surprisingly alert
- Republican took in large mustelid
- Charge pounds for a badger-like creature
- Carnivore of the woods distressed in middle of moorland
- Judge accompanied by large mammal
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "animal" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case animal = ratel.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RATEL mean?
RATEL noun- A carnivorous mammal, Mellivora capensis, found in Africa and some parts of Asia; the honey badger.