A safari into cheetah country got more than they bargained for when a curious cheetah climbed into a tourist-filled vehicle. This cat apparently had some contact with people before, probably in previous safaris, but he still wanted to check them all out. This video is a compilation of several such encounters, with different cheetahs.
If you were in that position, you' be stuck between the impulse to pet the kitty and terror at confronting an apex predator who could chew your face off if he so desired. -via Laughing Squid
I certainly don't want to encourage people to bother wild animals, but cheetahs really aren't that dangerous. Unlike similarly sized leopards and cougars, they weigh in at around half as much and their frame isn't built for strength but pure speed. They were kept as pets by ancient Egyptians for just this reason (they sure didn't keep pet lions!). Cheetahs flee from confrontation instead of fighting. I'd put them on par with bobcats or coyotes. If you harass one, you'll sure regret it! But the chance of being killed by one is astronomical.
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What a beautiful, majestic and agile animal. I love to see Big Cats but hope for their own safety they stay away from the "peoples".
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