Small mammal hid in cane run wild (7)

I believe the answer is:

echidna

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'small mammal' is the definition.
'echidna' can be an answer for 'mammal' (echidna is a kind of mammal). I am not certain of the 'small' bit.

'hid in cane run wild' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'run wild' indicates anagramming the letters.
'cane' with letters rearranged gives 'ecna'.
'hid' put inside 'ecna' is 'ECHIDNA'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for echidna that I've seen before include "Creature with spines" , "Such a beast" , "Spiny egg-laying Australian mammal" , "Spiny Aus. mammal" , "Spiny creature" .)

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

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.