Cheetah

The cheetah is a large cat native to Africa and central Iran. It is the fastest land animal, estimated to be capable of running at 80 to 128 km/h with the fastest reliably recorded speeds being 93 and 98 km/h, and as such has several adaptations for speed, including a light build, long thin legs and a long tail. Cheetahs have distinctive spots and black, tear-shaped stripes that stretch from the inner corner of each eye to the mouth. Cheetahs have small rounded heads, long necks, deep chests and claws that are non-retractable. The legs of the cheetah are long, slim and muscular. Cheetahs are very timid and avoid lions and hyenas at all costs. Their fresh kill is often taken by an intruding hyena or lion because the cheetah is too timid and tired to put up a fight. Many times cheetahs are even threatened by their prey. Cheetahs have an upper coat of fur that is tawny, pale buff or grayish white, with underparts that are paler and whiter. Black spots are set close together on the pelage with a series of black rings around the last one-third of the tail. The speedy and stealthy Cheetah is a symbol of surival, strength, and persistance. As one of the worlds “big Cats,” the Cheetah also symbolizes the Divine Feminine and aracane mysteries!

Speed: 50 – 80 mph (Running, Estimated)

Mass: 46 – 160 lbs (Adult)

Scientific name: Acinonyx jubatus

Conservation status: Vulnerable (Population decreasing)

Height: 2.2 – 3.1 ft. (Adult, At Shoulder)

Bite force: around 400-500PSI