Dirty Jobs - What was that animal?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the identification of an animal featured on the show Dirty Jobs, specifically one that Mike Rowe assisted a veterinarian with. Participants explore various possibilities based on a description that includes a pointed snout and notable whiskers, with comparisons to other animals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the animal as having a sharp pointed snout, ruling out weasels, minks, otters, and wolverines.
  • Another participant suggests it could be a Bearcat, recalling a previous episode of the show.
  • A different participant proposes that the animal might be a Giant Anteater based on the description.
  • Further discussion reveals details about Bearcats, including their musk gland and diet, with one participant noting their preference for bananas.
  • Participants share humorous anecdotes and personal reflections related to the discussion, including comparisons to popcorn.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the exact identity of the animal, with multiple competing views regarding its possible species, including Bearcat and Giant Anteater.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on personal experiences and descriptions, which may be subjective and lack definitive identification criteria.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in animal identification, fans of Dirty Jobs, or those curious about exotic animals may find this discussion engaging.

DaveC426913
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On Dirty Jobs tonight, Mike Rowe was helping an Big Animal Veteranarian. What was that critter? It looks like it could have been a wolverine or fisher but it had a very pointed snout like a possum has. Big white whiskers.

I can't describe it well, but I've been ruling things out with my biologist sister and Googling it.

The key is the sharp pointed snout - completely unlike weasel, mink, otter or wolverine.
 
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Was it the Bearcat? I recall seeing one on his show once. I tell you, that show made me acquire respect for so many people.
 
That description makes me think of Giant Anteaters.
 
hypatia said:
Was it the Bearcat? I recall seeing one on his show once. I tell you, that show made me acquire respect for so many people.
Yep that was it.

Knowing the name I could Google it and found http://www.tv.com/dirty-jobs/exotic-animal-keeper/episode/1141065/recap.html" .
 
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I'd love to see a bearcat upclose, such a cool animal.
 
They have a strange smell because of the musk gland under the prehensile tail. The fur is more like straight steel wool, really not soft at all. And they do eat a lot of bananas, at least the one I was around had a corner on the local banana market. He ate something like 6-7 pounds of bananas along with other fruit and some eggs. Every day.
 
jim mcnamara said:
They have a strange smell because of the musk gland under the prehensile tail.
According to the show, the smell is indistinguishable from popcorn.

jim mcnamara said:
The fur is more like straight steel wool, really not soft at all.
That was one of the notable things I was trying to descrinbe to my sister. It didn't look like otter fur or anything sleek - it looked grayish and had http://www.imdb.com/gallery/granitz...m_Steph_14928553_400.jpg.html?hint=nm0000385".
 
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Ok so now I want to be up close to Sam Elliott and a bearcat!
 
hypatia said:
Sam Elliott and a bearcat!
I think I was once described thusly by a girlfriend. Come on over.:biggrin:
 
  • #10
She said you smelled like popcorn?
 
  • #11
My girlfriend said I reminded her of popcorn. Jiffy Pop popcorn actually. She said 30 seconds a pop and not very satisfying.
 
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  • #12
tribdog said:
My girlfriend said I reminded her of popcorn. Jiffy Pop popcorn actually. She said 30 seconds a pop and not very satisfying.
Badum tsk!
 
  • #13
And tribdog gets the "straight line thru the name" award for this thread... Oh well.
 
  • #14
tribdog said:
My girlfriend said I reminded her of popcorn. Jiffy Pop popcorn actually. She said 30 seconds a pop and not very satisfying.
If you wait too long before taking it out, does it start to burn?:rolleyes:
 
  • #15
You guys are going to get fish-whapped or something...
 
  • #16
Actually, she was talking about trying to have a serious conversation with me, but I see where your mind is.
 
  • #17
You have ADHD?
 
  • #18
Dave -

No, he has only a DVD.
 

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