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• The Cheetah is the fastest land animal, able to run up to 70 miles per hour. Although they can go from 0-60 miles per hour in three strides, cheetahs may overheat if they run at top speed for more than about 100 yards. Their hunts, which only last for about 20-60 seconds are successful about 50% of the time. With the exception of mothers with cubs, cheetahs live a mainly solitary life, although some litter mates will travel and hunt together to bring down large prey.

• Fast Facts

  1. Average height: 2.5 to 3 feet at the shoulder
  2. Weight: 100 to 140 pounds
  3. Tan with black spots
  4. Average life span: 10 to 12 years
  5. Litter size: 2 to 4 cubs
  6. Listed as an endangered species

• Habitat and Hunting

  Once found in large numbers on the plains of Africa and Asia, the cheetah's habitat is now restricted to a small population of about 200 in Iran and an estimated 9,000-12,000 in sub-Saharan Africa.

  Cheetahs rely on long grasses to provide cover and camouflage. They sneak up on their prey and then try to overtake it with a short burst of speed, knocking it over and killing with a suffocating bite to the neck. Cheetahs must consume their kill quickly or risk having it usurped by other predators and scavengers like lions and hyenas.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Wildebeest | Endangered Animals | Leopards | Lions | Gazelle | Impalas | Baboons | Africa | Antelope | Tigers | Safari | Mountain Lion

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