First Smokey the Bear Poster

The very first poster launching the official symbol of Smokey the Bear by the Forest Service. After Smokey was created in August 1944, the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention Campaign published this poster to advertise the mission of Smokey the Bear to promote their new mascot, Smokey the Bear. 

In this debut poster, Smokey is depicted in a park ranger hat, jeans, and is pouring water over a campfire, with a slogan underneath reading, “SMOKEY SAYS;– Care will prevent 9 out of 10 forest fires!” The artist is credited as Albert Staehle, and the poster was published by the U.S. Forest Service Advertising Council and the National Association of State Foresters.