Page 24 - Eye Wonder Big Cats by DK Publishing (z-lib.org)_Neat

Speed king

The cheetah is unusual compared
to the other big cats, which have

large, sturdy bodies. Built for

speed and agility, the cheetah has

a small head, a long, streamlined

body, and thin, powerful legs.
Swift and slender, it is the fastest

land animal in the world.

A crying cat

The distinctive black stripes on a
cheetah’s face are often referred to
as tear stripes. It is possible that these
help to reduce the glare of the sun.

Can’t catch me!
The cheetah can reach its maximum
speed of about 112 kph (70 mph) in
under three seconds. This is faster
than a sports car can accelerate.
CHEETAH TRAINING
Not surprisingly, it can only keep
Although it seems odd now, in the 16th century up this pace for a few minutes.
cheetahs were often caught when young
and trained to help huntsmen kill
antelope and gazelle. Cheetahs’
were sent after prey and, after
knocking the animal down, would
wait for their owners to complete
the kill and remove the body.

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