NYT Mini · 4-Down · 5 letters
Furry animal seen swimming around a kelp forest NYT Mini crossword clue
Editorially reviewed August 19, 2026
Answer
OTTER
Why OTTER fits
An OTTER—specifically a sea otter—is a furry marine mammal commonly associated with kelp forests. Sea otters often float, feed, and rest among the kelp.
Clue signal
The habitat “kelp forest” narrows the broad animal description to a coastal marine mammal.
OTTER meaning
A semiaquatic mammal with dense fur, including sea otters that live around coastal kelp forests.
Where this clue appeared
4-Down in NYT Mini puzzle for August 18, 2026.
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