Smokey the Bear is recognized by most people as the spokesbear for wildfire prevention. What most people may not realize that Smokey the Bear was a real bear.

In the midst of a forest fire in Capitan, NM, Smokey was as a cub found separated from his mother. Suffering from serious burns, the cub was nursed back to health and became the symbol of forest fire prevention and preservation.

But the "Smokey the Bear" campaign had started before the discovery of the injurred cub. Recognizing the need for improved forest fire prevention, the campaign was adopted by the Fire Service.

Smokey's birthday is celebrated on August 9th, the day the first Smokey the Bear poster debuted in 1944. He died in 1975 or 1976. Upon his death, he was returned to Capitan, NM. There is a museum and monument dedicated to him there.

• Smokey Bear Museum and Park (internal link)
• Informational Site