JC3

Here in Penang, a few days ago I cut some bananas from the garden and hung a few hands on my bedroom balcony to ripen.

Last night I was awoken by a noise. Expecting a bat or a squirrel I drew back the curtains. But this was larger, much larger. Yikes! What the hell’s that?

My guess is some kind of wildcat or civit – about two foot long, with a very long thick tail adding another 18 inches or so, and roughly the size of a small fox. I’ve never seen one before.

The chick blinds on the balcony had created a huge box trap, whereby it could push its way in, but the ‘door’ had closed behind it.

It hurtled about the balcony trying to get out, eventually coming to rest on top of one of the blinds, staring down at me warily. It was frightened of me, and me, starkers, of it.

Here’s some photos - taken through the glass with my handphone.
Eventually it found its own way out. Phew!

Anyone seen something similar in Penang, or know what it is?

JC3

bakedbean

Is it the infamous Long-Tailed Black Starey-eyed Banana-eating Monster?

Great pics though.

InVinoVeritas

Thank goodness your phone was not in selfie mode, the cat looks terrified enough but I have a weak heart!

Gunnar45

Did it eat any of the bananas?
The tail looks to strong to be that of a cat and the nose looks more racoon-like.
To me it looks like it belongs to the Nasua family (The racoon belongs to this group).
But I think they can only be found in the Americas.

InVinoVeritas

Being serious, it looks very much like a Binturong, probably a young one. They are found on Penang island.

bakedbean

Common Palm Civet.
Actually...someone else told me this.
Try this link. Definitely the feller.
https://animalcorner.co.uk/animals/common-palm-civet/

InVinoVeritas

Yes, I think you're right BB. If you had caught it, JC, you could have produced what is generally accepted as the best coffee in the world. Look up Kopi Luwak to find out more.

SushiFan

I guess you are living here already quite a while JC3? Nevermind, lah.

bakedbean

My chum also said that these creatures spread SARS so might not be a good idea to make close contact with one .

JC3

Thanks for your replies everybody.

I think BakedBean has nailed it – the description and photo of a Common Palm Civet matches up very well. Thanks for the link BB.

It didn’t eat any of my bananas Gunnar, but that might be because I disturbed it in time. That said it did leave some droppings before making its escape.

I had a cup of Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee) at the Full Of Beans coffee shop in Straits Quay a year or two ago, courtesy of the owner. Nothing special I thought.

SushiFan - I don’t understand your handphone comment. Sorry.

JC3

bakedbean

Did it get the sh1ts after seeing a naked expat?

I think..maybe (?) the inference is that locals never talk about mobiles but usually say hand phone ?

jonboy

Take all precautions I guess

SushiFan

Yep, and the usage of the words "never mind" is also different from what I'm used to. I'm still studying Manglish.