What is the fastest animal?

The fastest land animal is the cheetah, which is capable of running as fast as 70 to 75 miles per hour. It only takes cheetahs three seconds to reach 60 miles per hour, which is quicker than the acceleration of most automobiles.

Cheetahs rely on their high speed to knock down prey when hunting. Their speed and ability to maneuver well while running make them excellent hunters. Cheetahs have spotted coats that provide camouflage when stalking prey in high grass. Their prey are mostly hares and antelopes. As of 2014, an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 cheetahs live in southwestern and eastern Africa.