The fastest animal on land is the cheetah, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 to 70 miles per hour (97 to 113 kilometers per hour) in short bursts covering distances up to 1,500 feet. This incredible speed allows the cheetah to catch prey quickly, making it a skilled hunter in the wild. In the air, the title of fastest animal goes to the peregrine falcon, which can dive at speeds exceeding 240 miles per hour (386 kilometers per hour). This remarkable speed is achieved during its hunting stoop, or high-speed dive, allowing it to catch birds mid-flight with precision.