cheetahfanman: What is the relationship on encounters between cheetahs and humans? Have cheetahs ever been documented to attack humans, whether it be mistaking them for a food source or just out of the blue, or in defense of territory?
Peter Gros: I don't know of any fatal encounters of humans by cheetahs. Generally, cheetahs are interested in antelope as a food source, and fear people. However, when the average cheetah has a range of over 300 square miles, there will be sightings of cheetahs by humans, and people misunderstand their presence as threatening rather than a cheetah just exploring its territory. As a result of the research being performed at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, the data found through scat sampling proves that cheetahs much prefer to eat wild game over domestic stock.

lmisjwanimal: In terms of look, how do you distinguish in Africa between a cheetah and a leopard?
Peter Gros: The maximum weight of a cheetah is usually around 140 pounds, where leopards get to be much larger. Cheetahs have very small heads and are easily distinguished by the black teardrop lines under their eyes, their very long narrow legs and their large, non-retractable claws like a dog. In contrast, leopards are stocky with short legs, very full bodies and large retractable claws like a cat.

nkborgardt: It's George here, the Calif Delegate from Kids Summit 2004. We've been waiting for this show ever since you told us about it at the Summit! My class did research projects on endangered animals this year. Also, we've found a kangaroo rat and are hoping that a population can be established so the recovery plan can begin. The museum here is now working on an exhibit which will feature locally endangered species.
Peter Gros: Hi George! Great to hear from you, and congratulations again on your terrific kangaroo rat project. Dr. Marker reminds me a little of you in the changes that one person can make if they are passionate about preserving wildlife — even a species like the kangaroo rat, which some people may consider insignificant. I certainly don't. Keep up the good work.

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