They mainly feed on fruits, and also eat bird eggs, young leaves, rodents and small birds.

Binturongs are nocturnal animals. They sleep in trees during the day and come out to move at night.Their body length is 60–95 cm, and their tail is almost as long as their trunk.

The binturong is the only civet species with a prehensile tail.Its tail is covered with thick, rough fur and functions like a fifth hand.Binturongs use their tail to communicate, maintain balance while moving between trees, and grip branches tightly.Wagging the tail indicates that it feels comfortable.

This species is usually very shy but can become aggressive when disturbed.When threatened, it will first urinate or defecate. If showing its teeth and growling fails to deter the threat, it will defend itself with its strong jaws and teeth.