illustration of young cheetah

Newborn Cheetahs

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Newborn cheetah cubs have silvery gray manes on their heads, necks, and backs. This makes them look a bit like honey badgers. Honey badgers are very aggressive and tough, and few predators want to tangle with them. Did cheetah cubs evolve to mimic honey badgers so they would be better protected? Such ideas are fun to think about, but we can’t be sure of the answer.

illustration of young cheetah

Newborn Cheetahs

By

Newborn cheetah cubs have silvery gray manes on their heads, necks, and backs. This makes them look a bit like honey badgers. Honey badgers are very aggressive and tough, and few predators want to tangle with them. Did cheetah cubs evolve to mimic honey badgers so they would be better protected? Such ideas are fun to think about, but we can’t be sure of the answer.