Who Is Smokey The Bear?
- Mascot of the United States Forest Service created to educate/inform the public about the dangers of wildfires
- Became advertising campaign in 1944 with the initial slogan, "Care- will prevent 9 out of 10 wildfires."
- Most famous for appearing on commercials with his most present slogan, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires."
- According to the Ad council, His message is recognized 95% of adults 77% of children in the US.
History
- During WW2, the war brought new importance to the fire issue back home
- Started out as colorful posters educating Americans about wildfires
- Walt Disney allowed characters from Bambi to appear in the fire prevention campaign, however it was for a limited amount of time
- A bear was chosen for the new mascot
- Name was inspired by "Smokey" Joe Martin, a NYCFD hero who suffered from blindness and burns while on the job
- The living symbol of Smokey The Bear was an American black bear cub who was caught in the Capitan Gap fire during 1950. Smokey had climbed a tree to escape the blaze, but his paws and hind legs had been badly burned.
- Died on November 9th, 1976; however his legacy still carries on for present and future "Smokey The Bears"