Mammals from the west (4)

I believe the answer is:

ewes

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'mammals' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both animals as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'from the west' is the wordplay.
'from' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'EWES' is hidden within 'the west'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ewes that I've seen before include "wool producers" , "Sheep (females)" , "farm animals" , "Adult sheep" , "Females in the flock" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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