Cheetahs are one of the fastest animals in the world. This animal can run up to 120 km/hour in a short time. Cheetahs usually hunt small or medium sized prey, such as deer, gazelles or rabbits. Cheetahs kill their prey by strangling their necks until they can’t breathe.
Then, what about humans? Do cheetahs attack humans? The answer is very rarely. Cheetahs are not aggressive or wild animals like tigers or lions. Cheetahs are more afraid and shy than humans. Cheetahs also don’t like fighting with other animals that are bigger or stronger than them.
Cheetahs will only attack humans if they feel threatened, cornered, or protecting their cubs. If humans approach their habitat, cheetahs will usually avoid or run away. Cheetahs do not want to risk injury that could interfere with their hunting abilities.
But that doesn’t mean cheetahs are completely harmless. Cheetahs are still wild animals that have predatory instincts. If the cheetah is hungry and there is no other prey, the cheetah may try to attack a weak or unwary human. Cheetahs can also injure humans if touched or disturbed.
Tips to Help Survive a Cheetah Attack
So, what should we do if we are attacked by a cheetah? The following are some tips that can help us survive a cheetah attack:
do not panic
Panic will make us lose our senses and make wrong movements. Stay calm and think quickly.
Do not run
Running will make us an easy target for cheetahs. Cheetahs will think we are delicious prey. Besides, we will not be able to beat the speed of the cheetah.
Don’t look away
Turning away will prevent us from seeing the cheetah’s movements. The cheetah will take advantage of this opportunity to attack from behind. Keep facing the cheetah and watch its movements.
Make ourselves look big and loud
Raise our hands and feet, shout, or make noise at the objects around us. The goal is to scare the cheetah and make it retreat. Show that we are not easy prey.
Use any object as a weapon
If there are objects that can be used as weapons, such as rocks, sticks, knives, or umbrellas, use them against the cheetah. Throw or hit the cheetah with the object. Aim at sensitive areas, such as the eyes, nose or ears.
If forced to fight, protect our vital parts
If the cheetah manages to approach and attack us, protect our vital parts, such as the neck, chest or stomach. Use our hands and feet to resist the cheetah’s bites or scratches. Don’t let the cheetah rule us.
Seek help immediately
If there are other people around us, ask them for help. If there isn’t one, look for a tall or sturdy place of protection, such as a tree, car, or house. Contact authorities if necessary.
We must remain careful if we encounter cheetahs in the wild. Do not try to touch, pet, or feed the cheetah. Maintain a safe distance and avoid sudden movements that could startle the cheetah. If the cheetah shows signs of aggression, such as roaring, hissing, or chasing, immediately seek high or sturdy cover.
Threats that can endanger the survival of cheetahs
Cheetahs also face many threats that could endanger their survival. Some of these threats include:
Habitat loss
Cheetahs live in the vast grasslands of Africa and parts of Asia. However, their habitat is decreasing due to the expansion of agriculture, plantations and human settlements. As a result, cheetahs run out of space and run out of prey.
Illegal hunting
Cheetahs are often hunted by humans because of their beautiful skin, delicious meat, or as pets. Apart from that, cheetahs are also hunted by ranchers who consider cheetahs a threat to their livestock.
Competition with other predators
Cheetahs have to compete with other predators such as lions, leopards or hyenas for prey. Cheetahs also often become victims of attacks by other predators that are bigger or stronger than them.
Congenital illnesses and diseases
Cheetahs are susceptible to diseases such as rabies, distemper, or tuberculosis which can be transmitted by other animals or humans. Apart from that, cheetahs also have low genetic diversity due to inbreeding. This makes cheetahs susceptible to congenital diseases such as infertility or congenital abnormalities.
Steps to Protect Cheetahs from Extinction
We also need to take steps to protect cheetahs from extinction. The following are some steps we can take:
Protecting cheetah habitat
We can support cheetah habitat conservation efforts by not destroying or converting grasslands into agricultural land, plantations or settlements. We can also help plant trees or plants that are beneficial for cheetahs and their prey.
Stop poaching
We can report or avoid illegal hunting activities against cheetahs. We can also educate the public about the dangers and impacts of poaching on biodiversity. We can also refuse to buy or keep cheetahs as pets.
Increase cooperation with breeders and local communities
We can help breeders and local communities to live side by side with cheetahs without harming each other. We can provide assistance in the form of livestock protection equipment, animal vaccination programs, or compensation for losses due to cheetah attacks.
Support research and recovery of cheetah populations
We can support research and recovery of cheetah populations by donating funds or volunteering to organizations working in the field of cheetah conservation. We can also take part in cheetah adoption or sponsorship programs organized by these organizations.
Cheetahs are beautiful and interesting animals. But cheetahs also need to be respected and protected as part of biodiversity. We can help preserve cheetahs by not destroying their habitat, not hunting them, and not keeping them as pets.
