Badger-like creature surprisingly alert (5)
I believe the answer is:
ratel
'badger-like creature' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'surprisingly alert' is the wordplay.
'surprisingly' is an anagram indicator.
'alert' with letters rearranged gives 'RATEL'.
(Other definitions for ratel that I've seen before include "creature with sweet tooth" , "Badger-like mammal" , "Badger-like creature" , "predator" , "one wanting honey" .)