What is the story behind Smokey the Bear?

Smokey Bear was born on Aug. 9, 1944, when the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council agreed that a fictional bear would be the symbol for their joint effort to promote forest fire prevention. The firefighters who retrieved him were so moved by his bravery, they named him Smokey.

Who is voice of Smokey the Bear?

Jackson WeaverThe Smokey Bear Show
Billie Mae RichardsThe Smokey Bear Show
Smokey Bear/Voiced by

First voiced by Washington radio personality Jackson Weaver, Smokey Bear’s message has been brought to life for the past 12-plus years by Sam Elliott.

Is Smokey the Bear a Ranger?

The bear cub was cared for and christened Smokey, and he became a national symbol for forest fire prevention. Later, he turned “Smokey” over to a ranger with the New Mexico Department of Fish and Game and the bear was then flown to the National Zoo in Washington, DC.

Is Smokey Bear still alive?

The cub was soon on his way to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., becoming the living symbol of Smokey Bear. He remained at the zoo until his death in 1976, when he was returned to his home to be buried at the Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan, New Mexico, where he continues to be a wildfire prevention legend.

Who saved Smokey the Bear?

In May 1950, G.W. Chapman was 20 years old, and little did he know, his actions to save a small bear cub would change the course of U.S. Forest Service history.

How effective was Smokey the Bear?

Today, the Ad Council estimates that 96 percent of adults recognize him—the sort of ratings usually reserved for Mickey Mouse and the president. Smokey’s popularity made him an effective spokesbear for the Forest Service’s fire prevention message, which helped dramatically reduce fire on America’s public lands.

Is Sam Elliott the new voice of Smokey the Bear?

The new public service ads turn old, concise Smokey — who, with 74-year-old actor Sam Elliott’s voice, sounds like grandpa — into a not-quite-as-old, chatty, animated-emoji Smokey — one each by Colbert, 54; Foxworthy, 60; and Roker, 64 — who sounds more like dad. …

Does Disney own Smokey the Bear?

Walt Disney is in some ways responsible for the genesis of Smokey Bear. After the massive success of Bambi in 1942, the adorable deer appeared in government public service campaigns to raise fire safety awareness.

Who owns Smokey Bear?

A campaign began in 1944 featuring Smokey and the slogan “Smokey Says – Care Will Prevent 9 out of 10 Forest Fires”….

How old is Smokey the Bear 2021?

Smokey Bear turns 77 today, August 9th, 2021.

Why did Smokey the Bear’s slogan change?

Smokey Bear’s later slogan, “Remember… Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires”, was made in 1947 by the Ad Council. In April 2001, the message was changed to “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires”. The pair said that “the” was added to Smokey’s name to keep the song’s rhythm.

Did Smokey the Bear cause more extreme wildfires?

By preventing the small fires that are part of how forests function (clearing out underbrush and small trees), the “Smokey Bear Effect” is causing massive, forest-destroying fires that eradicate large forests.

What is Smokey the Bear famous for?

Smokey Bear, the U.S. Forest Service’s symbol of fire prevention , turns 75 on Friday. Smokey is the longest-running public service ad campaign, first appearing on a poster on Aug. 9, 1944. While his look has changed quite a bit, his message has shifted only slightly. Smokey’s roots go back further than his first post.

What is the story behind Smokey Bear?

Smokey (the) Bear: The Story Behind the Story. Faced with dwindling financial resources and declining health Smokey took his own life. His heirs squandered what remained of the Smokey fortune and in a cruel irony, a forest fire destroyed his mansion. All that survives of this tragic chapter in American history is Smokey Bear Flat.

Who is the enemy of the black bear?

Black bears are very successful animals with no natural enemies except other bears and man. Black bears are tolerant of other black bears, but occasionally skirmish over territory and food. Grizzlies and black bears do not get along and often avoid one another. The biggest threat to black bears is habitat loss.

What is the origin of Smokey the bear?

Smokey Bear Origin. One spring day in 1950 in the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico, an operator in one of the fire towers to the north of the Capitans spotted smoke and called the location into the nearest ranger station. The first crew discovered a major fire being swept along the ground between the trees, driven by a strong wind.