NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Only you can celebrate Smokey Bear’s birthday on Saturday. New Mexico’s favorite black bear just turned 81 years old, and fans across the country are celebrating.
For more than eight decades, he’s reminded the public that only they can prevent wildfires. The U.S. Forest Service says you can honor Smokey this weekend by practicing fire safety and sharing his message with the next generation.
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“Smokey’s message is important and will always be important because people can actually do something and make an effect on reducing the effect of wildfires on their own property against wildfires,” says Mary Lavin, managing forester with the Smokey Bear Historical Park.
Smokey Bear used to be called Hot Foot Teddy after he was orphaned in the year 1950.
