Binturongs' popcorn perfume plays a vital role in communication, helping them mark their territory and signal their presence to others in dense tropical rainforests.

The post The Curious Reason Binturongs Smell Like Popcorn appeared first on A-Z Animals.

Three binturongs were born at Zoo Atlanta, the first of the species to be born there, officials say. A baby binturong is about the size of a squirrel, according to the zoo.

There, on the forest floor, was a binturong — a creature reported to smell like buttered popcorn, according to wildlife experts. Their familiar scent comes from a chemical compound in their urine.

The debate is still ongoing as to how binturong urine can smell like buttery popcorn. ©Jastrow, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons – Original / License.

These creatures smell like hot buttered popcorn because they release a chemical compound called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline — the same compound produced during the cooking of popcorn or freshly baked ...

Three binturongs were born at Zoo Atlanta, the first of the species to be born there, officials say. A baby binturong is about the size of a squirrel, according to the zoo.

Three binturongs were born at Zoo Atlanta, the first of the species to be born there, officials say. A baby binturong is about the size of a squirrel, according to the zoo.

Three binturongs were born at Zoo Atlanta, the first of the species to be born there, officials say. A baby binturong is about the size of a squirrel, according to the zoo.

Three binturongs were born at Zoo Atlanta, the first of the species to be born there, officials say. A baby binturong is about the size of a squirrel, according to the zoo. Screengrab from Zoo ...