C is for Cheetah

The cheetah is found in the west, east and south of Africa.  They can also be found in Iran, but there are only about 250 cheetahs left in that country.

Cheetahs are the fastest animals on land.  Over short distances they can reach 60 miles per hour.  The cheetah runs very fast because it is built as a predator.  They eat animals like hares and game birds.  Their weight can be 75 to 150 pounds.

The cheetah can breed all year long.  They can have up to 8 cubs at one time. Cubs are protected by their mother for 20 months.  They have long, grey fur when they are young.  Sometimes, the cheetah mother will catch live prey so that her young can practice hunting!