The fastest land animal is the cheetah, known for its incredible speed and agility. Cheetahs can reach speeds of up to 60 to 70 miles per hour (97 to 113 kilometers per hour) in short bursts covering distances of about 500 meters. Their speed is primarily due to their lightweight bodies, long legs, and specialized adaptations such as larger nasal passages for increased oxygen intake and non-retractable claws for better grip. This makes the cheetah an exceptional predator, allowing it to quickly close the distance on prey during hunts.