burrowing rodent crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "burrowing rodent crossword", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "burrowing rodent crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
VOLE: A small, mouselike rodent, often found in fields, known for creating tunnels.
6 Letters
GOPHER: A North American rodent known for extensive burrowing systems, especially common in agricultural areas.
MARMOT: A large, heavy-bodied squirrel-like rodent that typically lives in mountainous areas and is known for its burrows.
10 Letters
PRAIRIEDOG: A social, short-tailed burrowing rodent of the squirrel family, native to the grasslands of North America.
More About "burrowing rodent crossword"
The clue "burrowing rodent" is a classic in crosswords, pointing to a category of animals well-known for their subterranean habits. While several small mammals create burrows, the key here is "rodent," which narrows down the possibilities. This excludes animals like moles, which, despite being avid burrowers, are insectivores, not rodents. Common crossword answers often include voles, gophers, and prairie dogs, each fitting the description of a small to medium-sized mammal that digs tunnels for shelter, food storage, and raising young.
Understanding the specific characteristics of these animals can often help pinpoint the exact answer needed. For instance, a "gopher" might be clued with a hint about North America or agriculture, while a "marmot" might imply a mountainous region. "Vole" is a more general term for various small, field-dwelling burrowers. Always consider the letter count and any other intersecting letters you might already have filled in to narrow down the options and successfully solve the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by counting the number of boxes available for the answer. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and is the most crucial step for "burrowing rodent" type clues.
- Check Intersecting Clues: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. Even one correct letter can dramatically reduce the potential answers for "burrowing rodent."
- Consider Regionality or Specific Traits: Some clues add subtle hints. For "burrowing rodent," look for terms like "North American," "prairie dweller," "mountain animal," or "field pest" which can lead you to specific answers like GOPHER, PRAIRIEDOG, or MARMOT.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While common answers like VOLE are frequent, crosswords love variety. Be open to less common but equally valid answers if the letter count and intersecting letters align.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common burrowing rodents found in crosswords?
Common answers for 'burrowing rodent' clues include VOLE (4 letters), GOPHER (6 letters), and sometimes larger rodents like MARMOT (6 letters) or PRAIRIEDOG (10 letters), depending on the clue's specific context and available letter count.
How can I distinguish between similar burrowing animal clues in crosswords?
To distinguish similar clues, always pay close attention to the exact letter count required for the answer. Also, look for any additional descriptive words in the clue (e.g., 'North American', 'large', 'small', 'social') that might point to a specific type of rodent. Checking intersecting letters from other solved clues is also crucial.
Are moles considered rodents when clued in crosswords?
While moles are technically insectivores and not rodents, they are often clued as 'burrowing animals' in crosswords. However, if the clue specifically states 'burrowing rodent', then 'mole' would not be the correct answer. In such cases, look for true rodents like VOLE, GOPHER, or MARMOT.