| Forest History Society Photograph Collection Fire Prevention -- Promotional -- "The Real Smokey Bear" |
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In the aftermath of the 1950 Capitan Gap Fire in New Mexico's Lincoln National Forest, firefighters found an injured black bear cub clinging to a blackened tree. Originally dubbed "Hotfoot Teddy," the cub was renamed Smokey, after the U.S. Forest Service/Advertising Council fire prevention poster mascot (originated in 1944). New Mexico Department of Game and Fish officials nursed the cub back to health, and on June 30 Smokey was presented by the Forest Service to the National Zoo in Washington, DC. The plight of the "real" Smokey Bear captured national attention, and the Forest Service took full advantage of his fame to promote the cause of fire prevention.The photographs below are some of the publicity shots distributed by the Forest Service to various news outlets.
U.S. Forest Service Documents: Smokey Bear Publicity
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| Letter (1) | Letter (2) | Press release (1) | Press release (2) |
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