The hairs are black and lustrous, often with a gray or buff tip. The head is finely speckled with gray and buff, and the edges of the ears and whiskers are white. The ears have long hairs on the back that project beyond the tips and produce a fringed or tufted effect. The tail is extremely muscular, and the tip of the tail is prehensile. They have 5 toes on each foot, complete with long, sharp bear like claws.
Binturongs give off an unusual scent that resembles popcorn.
Unlike other members of the Viverrids who walk on their toes, Binturongs walk on their soles with their heels touching the ground and have a bear like shuffle. They are very slow gaited, but can be very fast when on the attack. Newborns weigh in at a mere 10 ounces. Binturongs can be found in dense forests, however it is not found anywhere in any great abundance. It is mainly arboreal and nocturnal.