Sign Text for Idaho Landmark #262:
A Nez Perce Indian legend tells how Coyote and Black Bear had a falling out while fishing here long ago.
Coyote, the all-powerful animal spirit, was having a good time until Black Bear, the busybody, began to tease him. Finally, losing his temper, Coyote tossed his huge fishnet onto the hills across the river. To teach Black Bear a lesson, Coyote threw him to the top of the hill on his side and turned him to stone. The Nez Perce people know just where to look for the net and unfortunate bear.
More about Coyote’s Fishnet:
The sign leaves out some chronology! At this point, Coyote was already frustrated with his luck at fishing and had already turned Frog to stone for saying he wasn’t going to catch anything. So when Black Bear showed up and reminded Coyote that he’d missed the annual autumn migration to buffalo country in the east, Coyote’s temper boiled right over! Today, there is a silhouette very much like a bear on the hillside across the river!
At last, Coyote gave up trying to fish and tossed his huge net onto the hill near the stone Black Bear, and where his net fell, the grass grows irregularly today! The stories don’t say if Coyote made it to buffalo country on that trip, but one thing is clear: you don’t want to heckle a frustrated Coyote! (Unless maybe you’re a roadrunner?)
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer with the Idaho State Historical Society!
- Become a member of the Idaho State Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
S side of US-12
1.8 mi west of US-95 junction
Lewiston, ID 83501
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!