The fastest land animal 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 (460 meters). This incredible speed allows the cheetah to catch prey quickly, making it an effective hunter in the wild. Cheetahs are built for speed, with long legs, a lightweight body, and a flexible spine that allows for greater stride length. They also have large nasal passages for increased oxygen intake and distinctive black tear markings on their faces, which help reduce glare from the sun while hunting.