Squint at eastern echidnas? (9)

I believe the answer is:

anteaters

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'echidnas?' is the definition.
('anteater' can be a synonym of 'echidna')

'squint at eastern' is the wordplay.
'at eastern' anagrams to 'ANTEATERS'.
But, I am unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for anteaters that I've seen before include "they take in the workers" , "More than one insectivore" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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