Smokey Bear

Died 1976 - Capitan, New Mexico

"Hotfoot" was a badly burned black bear cub found in 1950 by firefighters after a devastating blaze in New Mexico's Lincoln National Forest. When the cub healed, he was rechristened Smokey Bear, and he came to personify the advertising character created during World War II to dissuade campers from carelessly destroying the war effort's lumber supply.

Smokey moved to Washington, DC, and took up residence at the National Zoo alongside fellow celebrity, Ham, the Astrochimp. Millions paid their respects over the years. Smokey was so popular, he had his own ZIP code.

Smokey died during the Bicentennial year, and was taken home and buried in the Capitan, NM, National Forest. A tree planted next to the spot is nourished, as in some way are all trees, by the great bear himself. The nearby Smokey Bear Restaurant features Smokey Bear Burgers.

Smokey II, like his predecessor, was a cub rescued from a forest fire. However, Smokey II didn't catch on with the public. When he died, the Park Service didn't know what to do with his body -- so they burned it.

Smokey Bear Museum And Grave:
Address: 118 W. Smokey Bear Blvd, Capitan, NM [Show Map]
Directions: On Hwy 380 in town, at Smokey Bear Historical Park, just west of the intersection of Hwy 246.
Phone: 505-354-2748