Place where cubs may be left warm and dry (4)
I believe the answer is:
lair
'place where cubs may' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'left warm and dry' is the wordplay.
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'warm and dry' becomes 'air' (I've seen this before).
'l'+'air'='LAIR'
'be' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lair that I've seen before include "Supposed large ape, the Bigfoot" , "Rail around hiding-place" , "Study" , "Rail about wild animal's home" , "Flashy man" .)