The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Science & Nature›Animal›Binturong
Science & Nature • Animal

Binturong

The binturong (*Arctictis binturong*) is a tree-dwelling mammal native to South and Southeast Asia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The binturong (Arctictis binturong) is a tree-dwelling mammal native to South and Southeast Asia. It is also called a bearcat, although it is not closely related to bears or cats; it is a member of the civet family and is known for its prehensile tail and popcorn-like scent.

Description

The binturong is a medium-to-large mammal with shaggy dark fur, whiskers, and a long prehensile tail. It is sometimes described as looking like a mix of a cat and a bear, but it belongs to the civet family.

Habitat and range

Binturongs live in tropical rainforests and other forested habitats across South and Southeast Asia. They are largely nocturnal and spend much of their time in the canopy.

Diet and behavior

Binturongs are omnivores that eat mostly fruit, especially figs, along with insects and small vertebrates. They use scent glands near the tail to mark territory, which produces the well-known popcorn-like smell.

Conservation

The species is affected by habitat loss and hunting in parts of its range. It is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Key facts

  • Binturongs are arboreal mammals that spend much of their time in trees.
  • They are native to tropical forests in South and Southeast Asia.
  • Despite the nickname bearcat, binturongs are not bears or cats.
  • Their scent has been widely described as similar to buttered popcorn.
  • They mainly eat fruit but also consume animals such as birds, insects, fish, and small mammals.
🍁
Canadian context

Binturongs are of interest to Canadian zoo visitors and wildlife educators, and are kept in some zoological collections used for conservation and public education.

Frequently asked questions

What is a binturong?
A binturong is a tree-dwelling mammal native to South and Southeast Asia. It is also called a bearcat, though it is actually a civet relative, not a bear or cat.
Where do binturongs live?
Binturongs live in tropical forests and rainforests of South and Southeast Asia, including countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
What does a binturong eat?
Binturongs are omnivores. They mainly eat fruit, especially figs, but also eat insects, birds, fish, eggs, and small mammals.
Is a binturong a bear?
No. Despite the name bearcat, a binturong is not a bear. It belongs to the civet family, Viverridae, and is more closely related to civets and genets.
Do binturongs smell like popcorn?
Yes. Binturongs are known for a scent often compared to buttered popcorn, produced by secretions from glands near the tail.

References

  1. San Diego Zoo — https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/binturong
    Supports: Physical description, diet, relatedness to bears and cats, and popcorn-like smell.
  2. Smithsonian's National Zoo — https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/binturong
    Supports: Native range, tree-dwelling habits, and bearcat nickname not indicating close relation to bears or cats.
  3. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/binturong
    Supports: Native habitat in South and Southeast Asia and taxonomic relationship to civets.
  4. IUCN Red List — https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41690/45217782
    Supports: Conservation status as Vulnerable.