Binturongs have a popcorn-like odor due to a chemical secreted through glands located under their tails. (Image credit: MyImages_Micha/Getty Images)
With their thick black fur, stocky build, and long whiskers, binturongs look like a cross between a bear and a cat, which is where they get their nickname “bear-cat.” However, these mammals are not only interesting for their unusual appearance, but also because they emit an aroma similar to buttered popcorn.
Binturongs, found in the dense tropical forests of South and Southeast Asia, can reach lengths of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) and weigh 24 to 79 pounds (11 to 36 kilograms). They belong to the civet family, a largely nocturnal mammal that lives in the tropics of Asia and Africa. Binturongs spend most of their time in the treetops, moving through the branches at night.
One of the most unusual characteristics of binturongs is their smell. These creatures give off the aroma of hot, buttered popcorn because they secrete a chemical called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, the same substance that forms when popcorn or freshly baked bread is cooked. The scent is released through glands under their tails, and they use it to mark branches and leaves as they pass by.
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Sourse: www.livescience.com
