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Although most animals in temperate forests survive the winter months by migrating or hibernating this species does neither, like its relative the Mephitis mephitis. 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 in the winter only when temperatures is 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. They have a prehensile tail that allows them to grip onto tree branches, they use their tails to stay hanging on branches while they eat, to avoid any predators that may be lurking around. The tail is thinner and resembles those of monkeys and is usually curled at the tip. The hands of the Mephitis scandere resembles those of primates meaning they are able to move their fingers a lot more freely then the majority of animals. This allows them to easily climb up and down the trees as well as to easily search for food.