Coyote's Fishnet

The sign leaves out why Coyote lost his temper. In the telling the National Park Service gives, it was autumn, when the people go to buffalo country for winter food, and Iceye'ye, as the Nimiipuu call Coyote, had forgotten the trip and was still fishing the Clearwater for salmon. Black Bear asked why he had not gone, and Coyote, unwilling to admit he had forgotten, took the question as nosiness. The park's version throws the net onto the south hill and the bear onto the north, the reverse of the sign. Then Coyote left for buffalo country.

What the plaque says

Coyote's Fishnet 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 this side and turned him to stone. The Nez Perce people know just where to look for the net and unfortunate bear. 262 Text prepared by the Idaho Historical Society Marker made & installed by Idaho Transportation Department

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Spalding — 3.3 mi
  The Nimiipuu went to St. Louis asking about a book. What came back was a mission, a printing press and a museum.

More markers nearby

• Nez Perce Village — steps away
• Ant & Yellowjacket — 2.4 mi
• Spalding's Mission — 3.6 mi
• Lapwai Mission — 4.6 mi