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.

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.

• Amazon.com: Cheetah Books

• TheBIGZoo: Cheetah Merchandise

• eBay: Cheetah Merchandise

• CafePress.com: Merchandise

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