Wild Fact #863 – Is that your Cologne? – Binturong
Oh boy! We are all in for a real treat today! No I am not giving out candy although that might be a good idea. Little Wild Facts chocolates in the shape of different animals! See how easy I get side-trac…..oooooh a shiny quarter! We are lucky today because we will be learning about the Binturong! Anyone know what a Binturong is? Well, stick around and you will find out plus I will tell you some pretty cool things about this odd animal.
Good, you are still here! That means you are as excited about the binturong as I am OR you are procrastinating from something important! Oddly enough the Binturong is also called the Asian Bearcat, although it is neither a bear nor a cat. Apparently the culture that named this animal “Bearcat” is now extinct, which is sad since we will never know why they received that name. If I had to guess, I would say it is simply because they have the face of a cat and the body of a small bear but that is just me!
So what is so darn interesting about the bearcat? These little guys love the trees so their legs have adapted to their living environment. Climbing down trees can be tricky but the binturong is able to rotate their hind legs so the claws can still grip as they bolt down the tree head first. Just think, you would never have to call the Fire Department to get this “Cat” out of your tree.
Communication plays a very important role in the binturong’s life. They have been known to make a lot of different noises. Believe it or not, when this bearcat is in a happy and playful mood, they will actually make a chuckling sound! Besides them laughing at you from the trees you may also hear them hissing, grunting or howling. They will also use their scent glands for communication. They will wave their tail in order to spread their musky scent to the nostrils of other animals in the area. You have any idea what this might smell like? Would you believe me if I told you the binturong actually smells like buttered popcorn!! Their scent glands give off a smell similar to Theatre Style Popcorn. I wonder if you could get extra butter? Imagine trying to research these little guys. I would be so hungry and have such a craving for popcorn!
I told you that you were in for a treat today! A popcorn-smelling treat! Enjoy the rest of your day!
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March 3rd, 2010 at 2:58 AM
What a fascinating critter; love the popcorn part. Hmmm, I wonder if they are salted or unsalted (??
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Nathan Reply:
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:17 PM
I never thought of that Jen?? Maybe we can get those fancy seasonings. Mmmmm… Salt and Vinegar Binturong!!
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March 3rd, 2010 at 5:42 AM
Great topic Nathan – your humour really adds to the story!
Nature is so fascinating! I can’t imagine being able to rotate your feet to climb down a tree – I can’t even adapt to someone sitting at my place at the table. I would never survive in the wild.
P.S. You were always easily side-trac….oooooh I found your shiny quarter!:)
Latter gator! – good pun yesterday!
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Nathan Reply:
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:19 PM
“I can’t even adapt to someone sitting at my place at the table”……..hahahaha! Now I want to go over there and sit at your spot. I am sure you would do fine in the wild since they don’t have tables!
I am glad you enjoyed the humour in yesterday’s post. Every now and again, I feel………Hey! You have my shiny quarter??! I expect that back, you know!
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March 3rd, 2010 at 10:14 AM
This was a fun post!
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Nathan Reply:
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:20 PM
Thanks!
I had a ton of fun writing it. I love when you get in those writing moods and everything just flows naturally. I am not so sure how it will go tonight though! It is getting late and I have been cleaning all day! Although, maybe the cleaning chemicals that I have been inhaling for the last 3 hours will make things interesting and fun!
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