Smokey Bear turns 70 . . .

[Bob Of Burleson]

. . . Still on mission to prevent wildfires



By Moira McLaughlin
The Washington Post

Real black bears don’t live to be 70 years old. But a pretend black bear named Smokey Bear, who was born out of a desire to help save U.S. forests, turns 70 on Saturday.

One of the most recognized characters in the United States, Smokey has been a spokesman (or spokesbear?) for the U.S. Forest Service since 1944. The Forest Service is the part of the government that manages national forests, where people go to camp and hike.

Wildfires in those forests can burn millions of acres of land a year, so the Forest Service created Smokey to help spread the word on how to prevent fires. That means no playing with matches and always making sure your campfire is out when you’re done with it.

At first Smokey’s slogan, or what he always said, was, “Care will prevent 9 out of 10 fires.” But in 1947, Smokey’s slogan changed to, “Remember, only you can prevent forest fires.” That’s the slogan that your mom and dad probably know. In 2001, his words changed slightly, and “forest fires” became “wildfires.” His look, which includes an easy-to-recognize ranger hat, has not changed much over the years.

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[Cowman52]

The smokey bear museum is in Capitan New Mexico, a neat place to visit, bear is buried in the yard, lot of pictures and stories about his origin and the area in general. Lincoln is just down the road. Another good place to see.

[GFB]

Didn't know there was a eal Smokey bear, but the TVs one(s) always annoyed me.

I have no idea what "Only YOU can prevent forest fires" means..especially when you say it to the whole world.

[Red Oak]

My Grand Mother's family Homesteaded around Capitan and one of her Uncles was a Ranger that found Smokey or so the family lore goes.

[Kiamichi]

My Grand Mother's family Homesteaded around Capitan and one of her Uncles was a Ranger that found Smokey or so the family lore goes.

I was told when I lived in Truth or Cosequences that a T or C resident at that time, Ray Bell, found Smoky. Is this the same person?

[Cowman52]

In the museum, there are pictures of the bear cub playing with a girl maybe 6 or so. Can't remember the names. They had him on a harnesss like for a dog, flew him to Washington after he recovered from burns, packed him in ice and flew him back when he died, buried him early in the morning, have pictures and names of all the people there.