What is the term for the young offspring of a mammal?

The term “whelp” specifically refers to the young offspring of certain mammals, particularly those in the dog family, like wolves and domestic dogs. It is a recognized term in zoology that denotes a young animal in its early stages of life during the nursing phase.

Other terms exist for young mammals as well, such as “cub,” which generally refers to the young of large carnivorous mammals like bears and some felines. “Pup” is often used for young rodents, dogs, and seals. Meanwhile, “calf” typically denotes the young of larger mammals such as cows or whales. Each term accurately describes young animals, but “whelp” is distinctively associated with specific species, making it the correct choice in the context of the question.