ANDY ROUSE / NATURE PICTURE LIBRARY
16 NAT GEO KIDS^ • JUNE / JULY 2022 (CHEETAH); CHRIS WARE (ILLUSTRATION)CHECK OUT CHEETAH VIDEOS TO SEE THESE WILD CATS IN ACTION!
natgeokids.com/june-julyThis wild cat’s body makes it an incredible predator.
A cheetah’s
small, short face has
enlarged nostrils and
wide internal airways
to allow it to take in
lots of air and not
lose its breath
mid-chase.Excellent
eyesight
makes spotting
prey quick and
easy.Extra-long
shoulder blades
and long shoulder
muscles allow
for long, rapid
Strong, strides.
blunt claws help
cheetahs get a good
grip on the ground
when they’re running,
sort of like cleats
on a shoe.Cheetahs
have a deep chest
and powerful lungs
that move oxygen
through their bodies
more efficiently,
helping them
run faster.And They’re Off!
In a race between different
species of land animals,
cheetahs would totally win.
But these critters wouldn’t
be far behind! Check out
their top speeds.SPEED
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