Here's why:
* Physiology: Cheetahs are built for speed and agility on land. Their bodies are not adapted for swimming. They have short, non-webbed paws and lack the dense fur or blubber that would help them stay warm in water.
* Natural Habitat: Cheetahs live in grasslands and savannas of Africa, areas with limited water sources. They are adapted to these environments and rely on speed to hunt prey.
* Swimming Ability: While cheetahs can swim, they are not very good at it. They can only swim for short distances and avoid going into deep water.
So, while cheetahs can be around water and might occasionally wade in, they cannot survive in water for extended periods and need land to thrive.