Meet the "Bearcat": The New Tallahassee Museum Guest That Smells Like Popcorn

By Visit Tallahassee

Rare Southeast Asian Binturongs make their debut in the Big Bend.

One of the most beloved attractions in Florida’s Capital City just got a little wilder.

The Tallahassee Museum has welcomed a fascinating new guest animal: the Binturong. Now on display, these rare Southeast Asian mammals offer a unique wildlife experience for families looking to explore the animal kingdom right here in the Big Bend.

A Southeast Asian binturong hanging from a tree branch using its strong prehensile tail to navigate the canopy. This tree-dwelling mammal is featured in the new guest animal exhibit at the Tallahassee Museum.

What exactly is a Binturong?

Despite their nickname, binturongs are neither bears nor cats. They belong to the family Viverridae, an ancient lineage dating back 40-50 million years that closely resembles the ancestors of modern carnivores. Native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, these tree-dwelling mammals are famous for their prehensile tails, which they use to navigate the forest canopy. While they are technically in the order Carnivora, they are actually omnivores that prefer a diet primarily of fruit.

The Nose Knows: A Scent You Won’t Forget

The most remarkable thing about the binturong isn’t how they look—it’s how they smell.

Binturongs naturally emit a scent that smells exactly like freshly buttered popcorn. This distinctive aroma comes from a scent gland located beneath their tail, making them one of the most intriguing species to encounter up close.

Conservation & Connection

The arrival of the binturongs is part of the Tallahassee Museum’s mission to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world through authentic wildlife encounters.

“Having the opportunity to bring animals like binturongs to our community is invaluable,” says Suzie Buzzo, Animal Curator at the Tallahassee Museum. “When people can see, learn about, and appreciate animals from around the world, it deepens their understanding of conservation and our shared responsibility to protect all species and habitats”.

Close-up view of a binturong at the Tallahassee Museum, showing its long whiskers and thick fur. These rare mammals are known for smelling like buttered popcorn and are native to rainforests.

Plan Your Visit

You can visit these buttery-smelling guests now during regular museum hours. They will be in residence throughout much of the new year, joining the Museum’s existing collection of native Florida wildlife, nature trails, and the Tree-to-Tree Adventures zipline course.

Don’t miss this chance to meet the ‘bearcat’ and discover the wonders of the Southeast Asian rainforest right here in Tallahassee!
All photos courtesy of the Tallahassee Museum.
Back to Top

STAY IN THE KNOW.

Stay up to date with all things Tallahassee when you sign up for our newsletters.


Visit Tallahassee Newsletter