Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, for one (8)

I believe the answer is:

mongoose

(Other definitions for mongoose that I've seen before include "Slayer of snakes" , "Cat-like creature with long body and bushy tail" , "Animal of the civet family" , "Snake killer" , "Animal that kills snakes" .)

I've seen this clue in The New York Times.

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