Smokey Bear is male. He is universally recognized as a male American black bear, serving as the iconic mascot for wildfire prevention.
The Identity of Smokey Bear
As the long-standing symbol of the U.S. Forest Service's campaign, Smokey Bear's character is clearly defined. His species is an American black bear, and his gender is male, which is consistent across all official portrayals and background information.
Here are some key characteristics of the beloved fire prevention icon:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Species | American black bear |
| Gender | Male |
Inspiration Behind the Icon
The enduring image of Smokey Bear was notably inspired by a real-life event. In the spring of 1950, a bear cub was rescued from a devastating wildfire in the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico. This cub, named Smokey, survived the blaze and was nursed back to health, becoming a living embodiment of the fire prevention message. He resided at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., until his passing in November 1976, further cementing the male identity associated with the character.
This blend of fictional character and real-life inspiration has made Smokey Bear an impactful and memorable figure in public service.
