Gift of Coyote: A Native American folktale- Long ago, winter came just as it always came. The animals' coats grew thick, and they prepared their nests and warrens and caves for the chilly northern winter. But the humans were not prepared. Humans are not so adaptable. Their hair did not grow thick. Their homes were not warm. They feared they would not survive. "We must help the humans," the animals said, but they were afraid. In the mountains there lived three giant creatures known as the fire keepers. They had a stolen piece of the sun and guarded it fiercely. Even at night, one of the fire keepers kept watching the fire. "Hoo hoo can help the humans?" Owl lamented. "I will," said Coyote.