wandering animal wsj crossword

Sandra Almird

2 min read

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02-01-2025

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The Wall Street Journal crossword, known for its challenging clues, often features animal-themed entries. One such theme that frequently appears, albeit sometimes disguised, is the "wandering animal." This article will explore this theme, drawing on clues and answers from CrosswordFiend (with proper attribution, of course), and offering insights to help you conquer those tricky animal-related clues.

Understanding the "Wandering Animal" Clue Type

The term "wandering animal" isn't a literal clue type in WSJ crosswords. Rather, it describes a category of clues that refer to animals known for their nomadic or migratory behaviors. These clues can be direct, hinting clearly at the animal's travel patterns, or incredibly oblique, requiring significant lateral thinking. Let's explore some examples from CrosswordFiend:

Example 1 (Hypothetical, based on common crossword patterns):

• Clue: Long-distance traveler with a long neck
• Answer: GIRAFFE

Analysis: While giraffes aren't known for extensive migrations like some birds, the clue plays on the image of their tall stature suggesting a far-reaching view, implying a sense of travel and exploration across the savannah. This demonstrates how WSJ clues often utilize metaphorical language.

Example 2 (Inspired by CrosswordFiend style, attribution pending further clarification needed from user regarding specific CrosswordFiend questions):

Let's assume a CrosswordFiend clue (which needs to be provided for accurate attribution and analysis) was:

• Clue: Arctic wanderer, known for its ivory
• Answer: WALRUS

Analysis: This clue is more direct. Walruses are clearly associated with Arctic regions and their migratory habits are well-known. The clue adds a characteristic ("ivory") to make the answer more specific and avoid ambiguities.

Example 3 (Another hypothetical based on common crossword patterns):

• Clue: Herd animal known for its great migration
• Answer: WILDEBEEST

Analysis: The clue directly references the famous wildebeest migration across the Serengeti. This showcases a straightforward approach, emphasizing the animal's wandering nature.

Strategies for Solving "Wandering Animal" Clues

Here are some techniques to improve your success rate with these types of clues:

• Consider migratory patterns: Familiarize yourself with animals known for their migrations – birds (geese, swallows, monarch butterflies), mammals (whales, caribou), and even insects.
• Look for geographical hints: Clues may refer to habitats or regions associated with nomadic animals (Arctic, desert, savannah).
• Think beyond literal movement: As demonstrated in the giraffe example, the "wandering" aspect can be metaphorical. Consider the animal's range, foraging habits, or general lifestyle.
• Break down the clue: Analyze each word or phrase carefully. What are the keywords? What associations do they evoke?

Conclusion:

The "wandering animal" category in WSJ crosswords presents a unique challenge, requiring knowledge of animal behavior and a flexible approach to clue interpretation. By understanding the different types of clues and employing the strategies outlined above, you can significantly enhance your ability to solve these tricky puzzles. Remember to always verify your answers with reliable resources and consult experts like CrosswordFiend for additional assistance and insightful explanations of specific clues (providing specific examples from their website will allow for a more detailed and helpful article).