If you’re passionate about wildlife, today’s NYT Strands clues will be effortless.
Strands, the New York Times‘ elegant word-search challenge, tests players with a distinctive take on the classic word search. Words are created from adjacent letters in any direction — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, and can change direction, resulting in unique shapes and arrangements. Every letter in the grid contributes to a solution. Each puzzle features a theme that connects all solutions, including the “spangram,” a distinctive word or phrase that embodies the day’s theme and crosses the grid either horizontally or vertically.
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By providing an ambiguous hint and leaving out the word list, Strands offers a mentally stimulating experience that takes longer to finish than other games like Wordle and Connections.
If you’re feeling puzzled or pressed for time, we have all the NYT Strands clues for today’s challenge to assist you in progressing at your own speed.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 9, 2026
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 9, 2026
NYT Strands clue for today’s theme: For cub supporters
The words pertain to animals.
Today’s NYT Strands theme clearly articulated
These terms describe large, furry mammals.
NYT Strands spangram clue: Is it vertical or horizontal?
Today’s NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram solution today
Today’s spangram is Bears in Mind.
NYT Strands word collection for January 9
Polar
Grizzly