Coyote and the River:A myth

Sham S. Misri

The coyote  is  also known as the American jackal. Coyotes typically grow to  76–86 cm. in length, excluding a tail of 30–41 cm. It has an average  weigh from 6.8–21 kg. It's hard to imagine, but it's true. While populations of many other animals are shrinking, coyote populations are actually increasing. Coyotes once lived only in mild grass lands and deserts. Today they thrive almost anywhere in North America. Coyote can easily change its behavior to survive in a new place. A coyote eats a wide range of food, mice ,lizards, insects, or even garbage. In Native American stories coyotes are clever and tricky. This reputation is based on fact. Coyotes may scan the sky for birds flying in circles. Coyotes know that the birds often hover over a dead animal, so finding the birds frequently leads to finding a free meal. Coyotes are clever enough to trick other animals. A coyote might leap about crazily near a group of birds to distract them, then its partner might sneak up on the birds and seize a few of them for dinner.

Traditional stories from many Native American  include a deity whose name is translated into English as Coyote. They often appear in creation myths.

 One tale tells that It was a beautiful day, the sun was hot and bright. It was so lovely outdoors that coyote decided to take a walk. Before long, though , Coyote began to feel hot. “I wish there was a cloud in the sky,” said Coyote. In time a cloud appeared in the sky and made some shade for the Coyote. “Just one cloud does not help me feel cooler, “ he said. “I wish there were more shade.”

Soon there were more clouds, and the sky began to darken and look stormy. But Coyote was still hot. He wished for a way to become even cooler.

Suddenly, a small sprinkle of rain came down from the clouds.”I want much more rain” coyote demanded. Before long, buckets of rain began to fall.

“That’s better, but I wish I had a way to cool off my feet,” Coyote said. In no time, a creek sprang up right beside him . Coyote waded in and cooled off his feet. “I wish the creek were deeper,” he said.

 All at once, the creek turned into a large , swirling river. Coyote was swept by the water and nearly drowned. Frightened and sputtering, he was finally tossed into a bank of this mighty river. Coyote was no longer hot, but he was very wet. And that is how the Columbia River was created.