burrowing rodent crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "burrowing rodent" and need a quick solution, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "burrowing rodent crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
VOLE: A small, mouse-like rodent common in grasslands and woodlands, known for creating intricate tunnel systems just beneath the surface.
6 Letters
GOPHER: A medium-sized rodent native to North and Central America, characterized by large cheek pouches and extensive, destructive burrowing habits.
MARMOT: Large ground squirrels (which are rodents) found in mountainous regions, known for their elaborate burrows and hibernation through winter.
10 Letters
PRAIRIEDOG: Highly social, burrowing rodents native to the grasslands of North America, living in large colonies or 'towns' with interconnected burrows.
More About "burrowing rodent crossword clue"
The clue "burrowing rodent" often points to a creature known for its subterranean lifestyle. These animals are typically equipped with strong claws and compact bodies, perfectly adapted for digging tunnels and chambers underground. They create these complex networks for shelter from predators, raising their young, and storing food.
While many animals burrow, the "rodent" qualifier narrows down the options significantly. This excludes animals like moles (insectivores) or badgers (carnivores), focusing specifically on the order Rodentia, which includes common answers like voles, gophers, and prairie dogs, all of which are prolific diggers.
Understanding the habitat and specific characteristics of these rodents can often give you the edge in solving such clues. For instance, if other clues in the puzzle point to North American wildlife, a gopher or prairie dog might be a stronger contender than a vole, which has a broader distribution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your most critical piece of information. Immediately filter possible answers by length.
- Consider Common Crossword Answers: Many clues have a set of 'go-to' answers that appear repeatedly. For "burrowing rodent", think of the most common examples first.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from other clues. Even one confirmed letter can dramatically narrow down the possibilities for a challenging word.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes, a clue might lead to a less common but still accurate answer. If the obvious choices don't fit, consider synonyms or related terms that also fit the "burrowing rodent" description.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common characteristics of burrowing rodents?
Burrowing rodents typically have strong claws for digging, short powerful limbs, and often small eyes and ears to minimize obstruction while underground. Their primary characteristic is their ability to construct complex tunnel systems for shelter, food storage, and raising young.
Are moles considered rodents in crossword clues?
While moles are excellent burrowers, they are insectivores, not rodents. However, in crosswords, general 'burrowing animal' clues might sometimes stretch to include them. For 'burrowing rodent', specific rodent species like voles or gophers are expected.
How can I identify a burrowing rodent answer if I only have a few letters?
If you have only a few letters, consider common short answers like VOLE. Look at surrounding letters to confirm patterns. Also, think about the region or habitat implied by other clues in the puzzle, as certain rodents are specific to certain areas (e.g., Gopher for North America).