The cheetah is renowned for being the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 to 70 miles per hour (97 to 113 km/h) in short bursts covering distances up to 500 meters. This incredible speed is due to their lightweight body, long legs, and specialized muscles. Cheetahs have a unique hunting strategy, relying on their speed to sprint and catch prey before it can escape. Their acceleration is a result of their flexible spine, large nasal passages, and enlarged adrenal glands that pump adrenaline at an impressive rate.