The Mammal That Smells Like Popcorn

By: EjazUlHaqBhat

Image: Unsplash

The binturong, also known as the bearcat, is known to smell like popcorn

Image: Pexels

Often mistaken for a strange bear-cat hybrid, the binturong is a secretive mammal native to Southeast Asia

Image: Pexels

Its unique scent, reminiscent of buttered popcorn, is due to the presence of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) in its urine

Image: Pexels

This same chemical compound is responsible for the characteristic aroma of cooked popcorn

Image: Pexels

The 2-AP is produced when the binturong's urine reacts with bacteria in its gut, skin, or fur

Image: Pexels

The scent is used by binturongs to mark their territory and communicate with others, with males producing a stronger scent

Image: X/@NASU_SAFARIPARK

Binturongs urinate and squat, so their urine soaks their feet and tails, creating a scent trail as they move through the rainforests

Image: X/@NASU_SAFARIPARK

They also have a scent gland near their tail that contributes to the scent

Image: X/@NASU_SAFARIPARK

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