Joel Booth, age 9, of Atlantic City, N.J., for his question:

HOW FAST CAN A CHEETAH RUN?

A cheetah, sometimes called a hunting leopard, is a large cat that can be found on the plains of Africa and Asia. Its long body and slender legs make it the fastest animal known for running short distances. It can run at a top speed of about 70 miles an hour.

The cheetah stands three to four feet high. It has a yellowish color with black spots all over its body except at the throat.

The species is now nearly extinct in Asia. Since 1900, the number of cheetahs has also declined in many parts of Africa.

In parts of India, the cheetah is tamed and trained for hunting. Hunters hold it by a leash and blindfold it until the game appears. When freed, the cheetah makes a quick dash for the animal and holds it down.