This year is Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday, and parties are being hosted across the nation. Below are events to enjoy, and, check local and regional state or national parks for upcoming activities.
Together, the USDA Forest Service and the Ad Council agreed that Smokey would be their symbol for forest fire prevention. Their fictional American black bear was born on August 9, 1944.
“Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires!” Smokey, 1947.
In 1950, a real black bear was saved in a forest fire in the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico. This young bear cub climbed a tree and was rescued by firefighters, who named him Smokey. Smokey’s story spread, and soon the bear was given a new home at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. He lived out life spreading messages of wildfire prevention and forest conservation. When the beloved black bear died in 1976 and was returned to Capitan, New Mexico and buried at the Smokey Bear Historical Park.
Smokey Bear Reading Challenge
Check a local or regional library for news on Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday. And, visit the Smokey Bear website to learn about wildfires and nature. Look for news and resources for fun everyday, and activities to join like the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge. See the site for information and to participate in the reading event.
Did you know? The Smokey Bear slogan was later updated to “Only YOU Can Prevent Wildfires!”
Check the local or regional state and national parks for activities to join.
Photo Credits: USDA Forest Service / Ad Council