Im in ur forestz, preventing ur firez

Fun fact: Smokey Bear, contrary to what many of us were taught during Junior Ranger activities at national parks during family camping trips*, is NOT a creation of of the National Park Service but rather of the Forest Service. Smokey was created as a public service mascot on August 9, 1944 (his birthday!) and was eventually physically embodied by a black bear that was rescued from a fire in 1950. He is actually the longest running public service campaign in American history. Take that, Scruff McGruff.

Second fun fact: Smokey Bear's name is Smokey Bear - there is no "the" in it. Funny, right?

Third fun fact: at sites like Grey Towers, where a lot of what goes on is conservation education for both adults AND children, the Forest Service often supplies a "Smokey Suit" to create a real-life Smokey for activities. And sometimes, miracles happen and interns are required to wear the suit. See below for proof:

Smokey, yes?


But who can that be animating our one true forest protector?


WHY YES I DID GET TO DRESS UP AS SMOKEY BEAR AND PLAY WITH FOUR-YEAR-OLD KIDS. YES IT WAS AWESOME, WHY DO YOU ASK?

Of course, I couldn't move my head with the head-part on and I couldn't see through the eyes so I had to be led around by another ranger, but still, it was quite possibly the most awesome thing ever.

*Don't lie, I know at least some of you did junior rangers; if your last name is Resnikoff, it was practically a right of passage. Endless campfire activities with some goofy chipper Ranger learning to identify bird calls and practicing your safe-camping rules. Good times, mosquito bites and all.