Cheetah

Description:

The cheetah is a large cat that can run at speeds of up to 75 mph for short distances. It has semi-retractable paws and has the ability to accelerate to 62 mph in 3 seconds. The black spots on all but its underside provide excellent camouflage. It has an enlarged heart and lungs that allow it to attain such fast speeds running in short bursts. The long, black "tear streak" lines run from the corners of its eyes to its mouth. The cheetah is a carnivore and a diurnal, or daytime, hunter.

Habitat:

Cheetahs inhabit most of Africa and parts of the Middle East. They thrive in regions where prey is abundant and may be found in savannas, grasslands, areas consisting of mostly thick brush, even semi-desert climes, and also in mountainous areas.

Notes:

This cheetah was seen at the Rhino & Lion Park outside Johannesburg. After sitting briefly while I took the first image posted, the cheetah turned and walked into the high grass. Within five feet of entering the grass, it could no longer be seen due to its excellent camouflage. As the cheetah is a diurnal hunter, I have often wondered if evolution provided its black "tear streaks" to minimize glare to some extent when chasing prey, just as some participants in football and a few other sports use "blacking" under their eyes to do such.