The object of this puzzle is to find a hidden creature using the clues given. The first clue leads to the longest word which contains (1) a word to be extracted and (2) the creature that will be revealed. The creature is spelled out in the proper order within the main word however, in most cases, the extracted word is anagrammed.

Example:

windstorm (7) -> negative conjunction...tornado -> nor = TOrnADo revealing "toad"

-1. astrological forecast (9) -> pen
-2. tap (6) -> drunk
-3. retail store operator (10) -> fireplace accessory
-4. imitate (7) -> word with set, bag and green
-5. land between the house and road (8) -> bet
-6. sulfur (9) -> school year division
-7. outward manner (8) -> whine
-8. rebuilding of a large area (7) -> caution
-9. smooth talk (8) -> delicacy
-10. lucky clover (8) -> URL ending
-11. sell in bulk (9) -> come in second
-12. gumbo (7) -> animal group
-13. idiotic (7) -> British toilet
-14. take heed (6) -> pronoun describing a group
-15. authorization (9) -> shoe tie
-16. weather (7) -> citrus fruit
-17. emotional condition (6) -> Egyptian sun god
-18. break free (8) -> playground feature

2. sPIGot, sot

4. eMULatE, tea

Hi Cue. Nice puzzle.

6. BrImStONe (bison)- term

15. CleaRANcE - crane/lace

16 - ClimATe = lime, cat

Tada! Great hunting!

Thanks, Curly

17. MOraLE - mole/Ra

13. Foolish - Loo/Fish <`}}}}><

3. shopkeeper poker sheep

Excellent!

5. FROntaGe frog/ante

1. HORoScopE - horse/coop

Nice pair, ladies

10. SHAmRocK shark/com

7. DEmEanoR - deer/moan

Two more good solves, ladies.

These are toughies!

11. WHolesALE whale/lose

12. ChOWder cow/herd

14. BEwARe, bear, we

9. FLatterY - fly - treat

8. rEnEwaL - eel - warn

It's been quite the safari!

Just the one left now.

18. DislOdGe - dog/slide

I done forgot about have a straggler here. Nice finish, Sondi