The cheetah is one of the fastest animals on Earth, reaching speeds of close to 60 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) while chasing prey. Cheetahs are big cats, a bit smaller than lions or tigers. Cheetahs have a yellow to brown coat covered with black spots. Their coloring helps them hide in bushes and grass. Cheetahs are built for speed. Their bodies are muscular and streamlined. They have long legs and backs that let them take big steps. They have long tails to help them keep their balance and large hearts and lungs that help them breathe easily. Cheetahs live in dry places, such as grasslands. They can go a long time without water Cheetah cubs learn to hunt by following their mothers. They can live to 12 years of age in the wild and 16 years of age in zoos
