Harasses the beasts (7)
I believe the answer is:
badgers
This could be a double definition.
'harasses' is the first definition.
('badger' can be a synonym of 'harass')
'beasts' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both animals as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'the' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for badgers that I've seen before include "Pesters like burrowing animals" , "Pesters; black and white nocturnal animals" , "Burrowing mammals with strong claws" , "Bullies" .)