Top 10 (11) Fastest Land Animals

#1: Cheetah

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The cheetah is the fastest land animal on the planet, sprinting at a lofty 70 mph. The cheetah can generally only run this fast for short bursts, so it needs to be close enough to its prey before leaping out and startling the unsuspecting animal. The cheetah has a leaner body than most other predators on the savanna, but does not have the natural ability to fight. Against other predators such as the lion, the cheetah prefers to run away, even when trying to defend its kill or young.

#2: Pronghorn Antelope

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Pronghorn antelopes, another animal on the savanna, can reach speeds of up to 61 mph. They can travel for great distances without getting tired at about half this speed. Pronghorns are named for their large horns that tend to lean backward. Pronghorns are mainly mahogany to reddish brown, and also white at the belly.

#3: Wildebeest

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Wildebeests run at a speeding 50 mph, despite their size. They weigh an average of 475 pounds, and, despite all doubts, are actually antelopes. Their natural predators are the other predators of the savanna, such as the cheetah, lion, and hyena. Newborn wildebeests are a yellow-brownish color, but change to the adult color in about 2 months.

#4: Thomson’s Gazelle

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Thomson’s gazelles are named after the explorer Joseph Thomson. Thomson’s gazelles can run at 50 mph, and are also called “tommies.” These gazelles are brown on the top, black in the midsection, and white on the underbelly. Thomson’s gazelles usually live for 15 years.

#5: Lion

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The King of the Beasts can run at 50 mph, also tying with other animals for the highest speed. Lions are ferocious mammals whose male sports a big, furry and golden mane about his head. Some opinions on lions state it as an overgrown cat. It usually lives for 14 years, and can seem lazy to an innocent bystander.

#6: Quarterhorse

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The Quarterhorse can run at 47.5 mph. The quarterhorse is ideal for running short distances, thus being an enormously popular racehorse. The American Quarterhorse was bred originally from Arab, Turk, and Barb horses.

#7: Greyhound

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Greyhounds are a species of slender and quick dog, and can run as fast as 45.5 mph in response to a commenter’s note. They are often used as racing dogs, and are widely popular for their sleekness.

#8: Elk

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Elk can run at 45 mph. They have large antlers like a caribou or moose, spreading out to the side. Elk are mainly peaceful grazers, and most reside in the plains and forests of Washington. It is the second largest deer species in the world.

#9: Cape Hunting Dog

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The cape hunting dog, or the African Wild Dog, has multiple colorations on its fur. Cape hunting dogs generally run at 45 mph. Cape hunting dogs are not domesticated animals, and eat the same way other predators of a savanna does.

#10: Coyote

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Coyotes can run at 43 mph, being slightly slower than the elk or cape hunting dog. Coyotes hunt small prey, such as rabbits and squirrels. Coyotes can be found almost everywhere in the world. Coyotes are famous for their yelping, howling, and barking.

#11: Gray Fox

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They gray fox, aka the grey fox, can run at 42 mph. It is, as you can see, very bushy-tailed and solitary. These foxes are omnivores, eating both berries and small animals. These animals have a sharp sense of smell and are mostly nocturnal. They do not hibernate.

For a list of the 10 heaviest land animals, click here.

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