Females that may be fleeced

EWES

Think of woolly farm animals often found in flocks; their young are called lambs.

This clue plays on two meanings of "fleeced." First, it hints at sheep, since their wool is called fleece. The females of the species are "ewes," which fits the answer. The word "fleeced" also subtly nods to being swindled, but here it’s just a clever way to point toward sheep.