2 zookeepers bitten by ‘bearcat’ at DC’s National Zoo

Two zookeepers were taken to a hospital after they were bitten by a binturong, also known as a bearcat, at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in D.C. on Friday morning, authorities say.

The animal bit the zookeepers in the zoo’s Lion-Tiger Hill area. A zoo spokesperson said the zookeepers were taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries described as non-life-threatening.

It wasn’t immediately clear how badly the zookeepers were hurt or what preceded the attack.

The zoo describes binturongs as catlike mammals about the size of a coyote, with sharp teeth and claws. They’re found in tropical forests in countries including India, Thailand and the Philippines. They’re often described as smelling like buttered popcorn because of a compound in their urine, the zoo said.

The nocturnal animals are “noisy creatures,” the zoo said. “They can snort, chuckle or even purr when they are pleased or content. They signal displeasure, fear or aggression with cat-like screams, hisses, low grunts and howls.”

Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.

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