The spotted skunk has excellent climbing skills, while the striped skunk has limited climbing abilities. Striped skunks are unable to climb up table legs or jump onto tables.
The striped skunk is the most common skunk species found in the United States. Its poor climbing abilities are partly due to its long nails which inhibit its ability to grasp onto things. These skunks are sometimes able to climb fences, but they are unable to climb trees or up into chimneys and attics.
The spotted skunk is a very good climber. It has the ability to climb trees easily and can even descend head first.
