Did you know that a cheetah's long muscular tail works like a rudder?
The tail is used to stabilise and acts as a counterbalance to its body weight and by swinging the tail back and forth, as it chases its prey, continually adjusting to the change in direction, allowing for sudden sharp turns during high speed chases. The inner ear of the cheetah also helps it keep its balance when quick changes in direction are required and the inner ear balance system help cheetahs keep their head stable and their eyes focused on the prey.