mammalogy

Although most animals in temperate forests survive the winter months by either migrating or hibernating this species does neither, like its relative the Mephitis mephitis (skunk). They remain inactive during the winter months and survive by using the fat that is stored within their bodies, they leave their dens during the summer and only leave in the winter when temperatures are above freezing. The Mephitis scandere has brown pelage that covers its body, the perfect color to help it camouflage in its environment. They have a thin white stripe on their forehead that goes down to its snout and the thin white line also runs along its dorsum.