TOP TEN FASTEST ANIMALS

10. Gray Fox

Average speed: 42 mph

In the list of fastest land animals, Gray Fox holds the 10^th position. If we compare the size, structure and weight of Gray Fox to the others on the list, it becomes hard to believe that this creature would be capable of holding its position among the Top 10 fastest land animals but it’s true. Gray Fox are found in North America, Southern Canada, and Northern Colombia mostly. Gray Fox has great inventory of abilities like it gets away from predators due to high speed and climb tree and dig good enough to find moles ad mice. The life span of Gray Fox varies from 3 to 7 years on average basis and the weight varies between 8 to 15 pounds.

9. Coyote

Average speed: 43 mph

Coyote is keen and alert animal found all over America except North America. Coyote has a strong sniffing power and can smell its food very easily. For food mostly Coyote rely on small creatures like rabbits, mice and squirrels because they don’t love to run that much. Sometimes, when it comes to food, they use their fast running power to catch what they want. The Coyote’s sometimes prefer to hunt with the Badger because it gets a bit difficult for the Coyote to dig out the food from the deep ground. The fastest speed of the Coyote is 43 miles per hour and the weight varies between 22 to 40 pounds. The lifespan of a Coyote is between 10 to 14 years.

8. Cape Hunting Dog

Average speed: 44 mph

Cape Hunting Dog is also known as Wild Hunting Dog and is currently one of the most endangered land animals present on earth. It prefers living and hunting together in groups instead of going solo. Due to this unity, they can hunt down the creatures much larger than their own size. Sharp speed and outstanding running abilities they have made themselves stand 8^th in the list of Top 10 fastest land animals. As evident by their name, they are only found in Africa. The average speed of this wild animal is 44 miles per hour. Lifespan of Cape Hunting Dog varies between 9 to 11 years and weight lies between 40 to 75 pounds.

7. Elk

Average speed: 45 mph

Elks are a sub species of deer but the main difference it has with deers is its huge size. Elk’s are pretty aggressive and have big sharp horns along with the gift of speed. These are the plus points which help them move away from predators and sometimes they use them for defensive purposes also. Elk’s are mostly found in North America and Eastern Asia. The top speed of an Elk is 45 miles per hour and the weight varies between 420 to 520 pounds. The average lifespan of this huge deer shaped creature is 10 to 13 years.

6. Quarter Horse

Average speed: 48 mph

A Quarter Horse is the name which is given to this horse on the basis of its abilities to take its lead among its competitors in the span of a quarter mile or less. The main places where the Quarter horses can be found are the famous race courses all over the globe. Apart from being used in the races, the horses are also used for riding, moving luggage, horse shows, travelling short distances in villages and lot more. The average speed of a Quarter Horse is 48 miles per hour.

5.  Lion

Average speed: 51 mph

Here comes the Lion! Lions hold many titles apart from being in the list of fastest land animals like the king of jungle, king of the beasts, biggest cats, Pride of the jungle and lot more. Because of their bravery and fearless attitude people refer to them as examples of courage. Lions are expert hunters and can target out their prey from miles. A lion’s roar can be heard from miles away and is a caution to get ready to be hunted! As far as the speed is concerned, lions can speed up to 51 miles per hour. Mostly they are found in Africa, Western Europe and Asia. The weight varies between 400 to 550 pounds and the age varies between 10 to 14 years.

4. Wildebeest

Average speed: 50 mph

Wildebeest are not only considered in the fastest land animals list but they are also counted in the list of those animals which rely on team work and unity for survival. If not hunted down, the average lifespan of the Wildebeest varies between 17 to 21 years and it weighs between 430 to 510 pounds. The Wildebeest are strong herbivorous animals with well-built legs to manage their weight while running. They are mostly found in East Africa moving in huge herds as it is difficult for a predator to hunt these big creatures down because of their numbers. Apart from running fast, they also have the gift of strong sharp horns which they use to defend themselves. When it comes to speed, Wildebeestcan reach up to 52 miles per hour.

3. Springbok

Average speed: 56 mph

Springbok is a beautiful medium sized herbivorous animal which holds his position in the list of Top 10 fastest land animals on the bases of his speed at third position. If anyone sees a jumping Springbok, for instant it’s quite easy to mistake it for a kangaroo!  That is so because the Springboks have a very good stamina to keep on jumping while it is running. Springboks are the most successful desert antelopes of Africa. One of the most interesting things about Springbok is that they never need to drink. They can extract all the moisture they need from the plants. They have strong senses to feel and realize the danger and can run up to 56 miles per hour. They weigh between 75 to 110 pounds and the lifespan varies between 7 to 9 years.

2. Pronghorn antelope

Average speed: 61 mph

In our list of Top 10 fastest land animals, the second place goes to Pronghorn antelope which have exceptional eye sight, often compared to high power binoculars. One of the major reason which save Pronghorn antelopes from becoming a snack meal is its speed which is almost 61 miles per hour due to its large heart and lungs! The majority of Pronghorn antelope are found in North America in mixed herds all year round except spring. Pronghorn antelopes are reluctant to jump over objects preferring to cross from underneath. They weight between 90 to 120 pounds and the life span is between 9 to 12 years on average basis. At one time, they were in millions but due to excessive hunting their numbers have dropped.

1. Cheetah

Average speed: 70 mph

Cheetah holds the record of being the fastest animal on the list of Top 10 Fastest Land Animals of the world. The Cheetah is not only the fastest land animal but also the fastest land predator. It cannot, however, maintain the same speed for longer than 8 to 10 minutes. With extreme sharp jaws and strong firm feet, the cheetah easily catches its pray within this time or else there is a very good chance that it might lose the lunch! The average lifespan of cheetah varies between 10 to 20 years and the average weight is 110 to 140 pounds. The maximum speed recorded till now of Cheetah is 71 miles per hour. Cheetah’s are mostly found in Africa but are also found in Asia and Europe but very less in numbers.