Cheetahs

The most well known fact about Cheetahs is that they are the world’s fastest land animal. They can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, enabled by their flexible spine, large heart and liver, wide nostrils, and increased lung capacity. When Cheetahs reach top speeds, only one foot touches the ground at a time. Some Cheetahs have a fur pattern mutation, in which the spots are larger and merged. Once thought to be a separate subspecies, these “King Cheetahs” have only been seen a few times in the wild, but have been bread in captivity. Unlike most big cats that can roar but not purr, Cheetahs can purr but not roar. Also unlike other big cats, Cheetahs hunt by speed rather than strength. They are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Only about 12,000 Cheetahs remain in the wild today. Visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund to learn about how you can help protect Cheetahs. Then take a peek at these neat Cheetah items: