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What's a Bearcat?


 

 

The Binturong (Arctictis binturong), also known as the Asian Bearcat, the Palawan Bearcat, or simply the Bearcat, is a species of the family Viverridae, which includes the civets and genets. It is neither a bear nor a cat, and the real meaning of the original name is lost, as the local language that gave it is extinct. Its natural habitat is in trees of forest canopy in rainforest of Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Palawan Island.It is nocturnal and sleeps on branches. It eats primarily fruit, but also has been known to eat eggs, shoots, leaves and small animals, such as rodents or birds. Deforestation has greatly reduced its numbers. When cornered, the Binturong can be vicious. The Binturong can make chuckling sounds when it seems to be happy and utter a high-pitched wail if annoyed. The Binturong can live over 20 years in captivity; one is recorded to have lived almost 26 years.

Physical

Its bushy tail is fully prehensile, and acts as a fifth hand. Being burly and omnivorous, the Binturong is sometimes compared to a bear, but is closer in size to a smallish dog. Its average length ranges 60–96 cm (24–38 in), and average weight ranges between 9-14 kg (20–31 lb), although some exceptional individuals have been known to weigh 22 kg (50 lb) or more. The tail is nearly as long as the body with size ranging from 55–90 cm (22–36 in). The ears are small and rounded, and it has small eyes. It has coarse and thick black fur.

Reproduction

The estrus period of the Binturong is 81 days, with a gestation of 91 days. The Binturong is one of approximately 100 species of mammal believed by many husbandry experts to be capable of embryonic diapause, or delayed implantation, which allows the female of the species to time parturition to coincide with favorable environmental conditions. Typical birthing is of two offspring, but up to six may occur.

Behavior

The Binturong climbs trees and leaps from branch to branch, using its tail and claws to cling while searching for food. It can rotate its hind legs backwards so that its claws still have a grip when climbing down a tree head first. The Binturong also uses its tail to communicate, through the scent gland located under it. The scent of Binturong musk is often compared to that of warm popcorn and cornbread. The Binturong brushes its tail against trees and howls to announce its presence to other Binturongs.The Orang Asli of Malaysia keep Binturong as pets.

Subspecies

Six subspecies are recognized (A. b. albifrons, A. b. binturong, A. b. kerkhoveni, A. b. memglaensis, A. b. penicillatus, and A. b. whitei). The Palawan Binturong (A. b. whitei) of the Philippines is vulnerable due to habitat destruction and poaching for its medicinal uses, its fur and its demand in the pet trade. 

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March 26

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news ...

Toews named All-Rookie Team
Karl Toews was selected to the BCCAA All-Rookie team. He finished 7th in league scoring (16.39 PPG) and 3rd in assists (4.00 AVG).

One and Done
The CBC men's volleyball team lost 3-1 to the Camosun Chargers in quarter-final action at the BCCAA provincials.

'Cats fall to Cascades
The women's volleyball team fell 3-1 to the UFV Cascades in quarter-final play at the BCCAA volleyball provincials.

Bearcats volleyball all-stars
Four members of the Bearcats men's and women's volleyball teams were recognized for their play this season.

VICTORY!
The women's basketball team finished the season on a high note, with a 55-52 win over Quest. It's been a long time coming for the Bearcats, as their last league win was January 26, 2007.

Back on the winning track
The men's basketball team overcame a 48-36 half-time deficit to defeat the visiting Quest Kermodes 89-87 on Friday.

'Wolves complete sweep
The UNBC Timberwolves men's and women's basketball teams swept the Bearcats this weekend.

Winning streak over
The Columbia Bible College women's volleyball team played against the College of the Rockies (COTR) on February 5 and 6.

Bearcats sweep Avalanche
The CBC men's volleyball team played consistent ball in both their games this weekend against the College of the Rockies Avalanche.

Seniors Night
Friday the Bearcats will celebrate and honour fifth year graduating players Phil Wiens and Mallory Ingwersen.

Denguessi Athlete of the Week
CBC men's volleyball player Emmanuel Denguessi was named BCCAA athlete of the week for his performance last weekend.

Two in a row
The CBC women's volleyball team swept the Douglas College Royals this past weekend to improve to 8-6 on the year.

'Cats split with Royals
The CBC men's volleyball team came away with a split this weekend at Douglas College.

More work to be done
The Bearcats have raised over $600 for Haiti and they hope to keep raising money this weekend when the basketball teams host Douglas.

Mariners take down 'Cats
Both CBC volleyball teams were defeated by the visiting Mariners on Saturday.

Making history
The women's volleyball team swept the VIU Mariners 3-0 on Friday, while the men lost 3-2.

With a cause in mind
The Bearcats volleyball teams will be looking to make a difference with a cause in mind when they take on the VIU Mariners this weekend.

Back to winning ways
The CBC men's basketball team played their best basketball since the Christmas break, defeating visiting Northwest Indian College 75-73 in exhibition play.

Cascades return favour
The UFV Cascades volleyball teams avenged their earlier season losses by defeating the Bearcats.

Rivalry continues Friday
The Bearcats volleyball teams resume action this Friday, January 15 when they travel across town to take on the UFV Cascades.