Near Dolores in Montezuma County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Wildlife or Relatives?
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2025
1. Wildlife or Relatives? Marker
Birds like the magpie, hawk and eagle are commonly seen overhead. Pueblo groups revere them as messengers between the sky beings and the people of the earth. Their feathers are worn as symbols of rank on ceremonial masks and costumes.
According to Hopi tradition, Spider Grandmother guided the people through a succession of worlds. Hummingbird brought us the secret of fire in the world before this one. The swallow first found a passage through the sky into our present world, then chipmunk planted a tall reed for the people to climb in their upward journey.
In the Pueblo view, animals are another kind of people. Animals are not wildlife; they are relatives who share common spiritual and ecological needs.
According to a Zuni (A:shiwi) legend, ants taught us generosity when they helped the first people survive a time of famine. In giving up their own food, the ants' waists became permanently thin.
Snakes are associated with springs and rainfall in Pueblo traditions. In a Hopi rain ceremony, captured snakes are released as messengers to the clouds.
Frogs are also water or rain messengers for Pueblo people. Frog-shaped pendants
this page online
Mice are the most common mammal in southwest Colorado, and were an important food during ancient times.
Have you seen the outgrown husk of a cicada clinging to a branch? He moved out, and placed a stone inside when Coyote threatened to eat him. Coyote broke his teeth, and today they are still jagged.
Archaeological evidence indicates that deer, rabbits, grouse and turkeys were often eaten by early villagers in the Dolores Valley. Sometimes turkeys were formally buried, and not eaten.
Despite its location near the Dolores River, there is little evidence that the people here hunted ducks or fish. This is true of Ancestral Pueblo communities throughout the Four Corners.
Erected by The Colorado Historical Society, the Bureau of Land Management, the Family of Nellie Mulnix Joy and the Frankston Family.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. 37° 28.703′ N, 108° 32.768′ W. Marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2025
2. Wildlife or Relatives? Marker
Regionally, this marker is in the American Mountain West, in Colorado Plateau, and at the Four Corners. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Prickly Pear Cactus (here, next to this marker); Big Sagebrush (a few steps from this marker); Dolores / McPhee Reservoir (a few steps from this marker); Big Bend & McPhee (a few steps from this marker); Piρon (within shouting distance of this marker); Juniper (within shouting distance of this marker); Rabbitbrush (within shouting distance of this marker); Escalante Pueblo (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dolores.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 120 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 26, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
