Smokey was first used as a poster character Aug. 9, 1944, and is one of the most widely recognized characters in the world. An animal artist specializing in drawing dogs, Albert Staehle was the first artist to render Smokey, and his Smokey had long, silky hair. Rudy Wendelin, who created art for the U.S. Forest Service from 1946 through 1973, refined the character into what we know today.
The black bear cub who became the living Smokey symbol was discovered May 9, 195O. A survivor of the 17,000-acre Capitan Fire on Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico, the bear spent two months recovering from injuries before being flown toWashington, DC, and put in the National Zoo. The living Smokey officially retired May 2, 1975, and died Nov. 10, 1976. Smokey is buried in Capitan, New Mexico.
Smokey's slogan was “Only you can prevent forest fires.” In April 2001, the Ad Council updated his message to “Only you can prevent wildfires.” The Smokey Bear campaign is the longest running public service campaign in history.
His image is protected by Federal law (Public Law 93-318), is administered by the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council, and he has his own Zip Code (20252).