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Coyote Fishes with Bear
Coyote is very powerful, but he often fails to use his power wisely. This provides great amusement to his fellow animals.
One day Coyote was out looking for food. As always, he was very hungry. He was tired of turning over rocks to find crickets and wanted to eat real food. As he got near the river, he saw Bear slap a fish from the water with his paw. Coyote thought that he could do that if Bear would teach him how.
“Oh, great Bear,” Coyote said, trying to sound respectful. “Please teach me to fish like you do so that I may fatten myself as well as you have.” Coyote thought that telling Bear he was fat was not very smart. He often spoke without thinking.
“Go away, Coyote. You will scare off the fish with your stink,” replied Bear. It was true, Coyote often smelled quite bad.
Coyote thought for a moment. “But the water will make me clean and then you can teach me to fish,” he said. Coyote tried to look even more scruffy than usual so that Bear would feel sorry for him.
“Okay, dog,” said Bear, “I will teach you to fish. But first you must go way down stream and bathe. Use lavender leaves to get that smelly dog scent off of you.” Bear knew he would regret his kindness. No good deed toward Coyote ever goes unpunished.
Coyote did as he was told and came back to where Bear was eating one his fish. Coyote was so hungry he could not help but drool. “I am back and very clean,” said Coyote. Bear lifted his nose and smelled that wet dog smell he disliked so much.
“You still stink,” said Bear. “But I will help you anyway.” He finished his fish and pointed Coyote to the river. “Go stand in the rapids. That is where the fish are easiest to catch,” Bear said.
Coyote walked out into the water. He stepped from stone to stone trying to avoid getting wet for as long as possible. Coyote really does not like water. “Is this good?” asked Coyote.
“Sure. Now stand facing down stream. Wait for a fish to makes it way up the rapids and then swat it with your paw. It's that easy,” Bear said, knowing Coyote could not do it.
Coyote was feeling dizzy from the water rushing past him. He even looked a little crossed-eyed.
Soon a fish was trying to jump through the current to get up stream. Coyote swung at the fish with his front paw and missed. He lost his balance and fell into the water, whimpering and splashing.
Bear laughed so hard his belly shook. “If you cannot stand up, you will never catch a fish,” Bear said, and laughed some more.
Soon, Salmon swam up to see about all the noise. Coyote, you silly dog, get out of my river. You are not allowed to fish. Only Bear and Eagle and a few others may take my brothers and sisters.” Salmon sounded angry. “Go back to your mice and rabbits.”
Coyote was relieved. He really hates water. He crawled up to the river’s edge and shook. Water sprayed all over Bear. “Stop that you stinky dog,” growled Bear. “Now I’ve got dog stink all over me.”
From then on, Coyote never tried to fish in the river. This was an important lesson for him. Coyote is not supposed to eat fish. He must learn to respect the natural order if he is ever going to use his power wisely.
He also learned to stay away from Bear. Even now, Bear is still angry at Coyote for covering him in dog stink. Bear will chase Coyote away whenever he comes around looking for a favor.
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