7 Down
NYT Daily • August 11, 2025
Reindeer relative
Answer:
ELK
Hint:
This large North American deer is also known as a wapiti.
Explanation:
The clue "Reindeer relative" hints at an animal similar to a reindeer, which is a type of deer. Elk, also known as moose in some regions, is a large deer species closely related to reindeer. The answer "ELK" fits because both animals belong to the same family and share similar habitats. No wordplay is involved—it's a straightforward definition-based clue.