since cheetahs cannot run for long, they must get very close to their prey before launching a surprise attack. Hence, if a cheetah is chasing after a gazelle, the gazelle is likely to escape if it can outrun the cheetah for more than 20 seconds. as cheetah stalk their prey - herds of gazelles, impalas, or antelopes - they look for the weak ones whose speeds are impaired. they do so to improve their chances of hunting down an animal. once they successfully bring down their victim, they must catch their breath first. then, they have to eat really fast before other predators, such as hyenas and lions, come and steal their food.