How does a Cheetah hunt?

The cheetah’s favorite target is the Thompson’s gazelle.

Upon spotting the intended target, the cheetah will get low to the ground and use stealth to creep and get closer to the target.

Long grass is essential to keep the predator concealed, and the cat must stay perfectly silent as gazelles are very wary animals.

Once close enough, the cheetah will bolt at speeds exceeding 113 km/h (70 mph) towards the intended victim. The cheetah only has a 1 in 10 chance of succeeding.

The cat is faster than the gazelle in short bursts, though the gazelle is faster over distance.

The predator will attempt to trip the prey animal by grabbing its hind legs, or by jumping on it and breaking its spine. Once the animal is caught, the cheetah must rest, as its body temperature cannot raise any higher.

The cheetah may begin to eat the animal before it is dead. The cat must eat quickly, as the kill may be stolen by larger predators.

Male cheetahs can even form groups with their brothers. In this group, they can go after larger prey such as wildebeest.

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