Long ago, the Fire Beings were the only ones who possessed fire. They guarded it jealously, refusing to share it with any other creatures.
This was especially dire in winter, when many young and old perished from the cold. Before another winter arrived, the animals held a council. "We must get fire to keep our families warm," declared Squirrel.
"But how?" asked Chipmunk. "They will never share."
"Let us ask Coyote," suggested Frog. "He is clever and cunning."
Coyote listened and devised a plan. He led the animals to the mountain-top camp of the Fire Beings. While the others hid, Coyote entered the camp.
"Who's there?" screeched a Being.
"It is only a scruffy coyote," hissed another, dismissing him.
Coyote pretended to sleep by the fire, watching three grotesque Fire Beings: one fat and slimy, two old hags with red eyes and claws.
A noise from the bushes, made by Coyote's friends, drew the Beings away to investigate. Seizing his chance, Coyote snatched a burning ember and fled.
The two hags gave chase with surprising speed. One clawed the tip of Coyote's tail, turning the hairs white forever. Coyote threw the fire to Squirrel, who caught it in her tail. The heat scorched her, curling her tail over her back. As she was nearly caught, she passed it to Chipmunk, whose back was clawed, leaving three permanent stripes.
Chipmunk threw the fire to Frog. A hag grabbed Frog's tail. With a mighty struggle, Frog broke free, but left his beautiful tail behind. He hurled the fire to Wood, who swallowed it.
The Fire Beings beat and cut Wood, but he refused to give up the fire. Defeated, the hags returned home, mumbling about broken nails and frog-tail soup.
Coyote then gathered all the animals. "Fire is a gift for all," he said. "Rub two dry sticks of Wood together swiftly. The friction will make Wood 'itchy' and release fire. Now, you will always be warm in winter."
"I told you Coyote was cunning," said Frog.
"Yes," replied Squirrel, "but I wonder what frog's tail soup tastes like?"
And so, to this day, Coyote's tail-tip is white, Squirrel's tail is curled, Chipmunk wears stripes, and Frog has no tail. But everyone stays warm in winter.