Ant and Yellowjacket is a basaltic rock outcrop formation that sits just above a highway roadcut approximately 9 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho, on the north side of U.S. Highway 12 near its intersection with U.S. Highway 95. The formation symbolizes the fighting insects that are associated with an important Nez Perce legend. The feature is best viewed from the pullout and interpretive sign on the south side of U.S. Highway 12. According to Nez Perce Indian legend, the stone arch up the hill (shown at right) was once two fighting insects. Ant and Yellowjacket had an argument and came to blows over who had the right to eat dried salmon here. Fighting fiercely, they failed to notice Coyote, the all-powerful animal spirit. Even when he ordered them to stop, they kept on struggling. For not heeding his warning, Coyote turned them to stone while their backs were arched and their jaws locked together in combat. |
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State: Idaho Unit: Spalding |
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