National mammal of the United States nyt crossword clue

The clue "National mammal of the United States" directly refers to the American bison, which was designated as the national mammal in 2016. The answer here is "BISON." **Solving Process:** 1. **Identify Key Information**: The phrase "national mammal of the United States" immediately prompts you to think of animals that have a special designation or symbolic importance in the U.S. 2. **Recall Relevant Knowledge**: Knowing that the bison is a commonly recognized symbol of the American West and has historical significance can lead to this answer. The bison was also a vital resource for many Native American tribes. 3. **Letter Analysis**: If you have known letters from the puzzle (e.g., B _ S _ N), it fits perfectly, confirming that the answer is indeed "BISON." **Tips for Solving Similar Clues**: - **Look for Keywords**: Keywords like "national," "symbol," or specific geographical references can often point you toward landmark answers. - **Cultural and Historical Context**: Many answers, especially in American-themed crosswords, will draw on national symbols or significant historical facts. A solid background in U.S. history and culture can be beneficial. - **Use Crossword Connectors**: If you're stuck, fill in letters or guess nearby clues that might intersect with your known portions. Overall, “bison” is a straightforward but essential piece of trivia that could easily appear in various crossword configurations!