Did you know one of America’s most famous bears can trace part of his heritage to the Land of Enchantment? For Smokey Bear in New Mexico, a real-life tragedy in the Lincoln National Forest gave meaning to reduce wildfires.

Smokey Bear is easily one of the most recognizable figures in American culture.
U.S. Forest Service-Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
For more than 75 years, he's been the face of wildfire prevention.
In May of 1950, a human-caused forest fire erupted in the Capitan Mountains in southeastern New Mexico. This fast-moving fire burned approximately 17,000 acres.
U.S. Forest Service-Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
While firefighters fought to contain the blaze, they spotted a little bear cub attempting to avoid the fire. Unfortunately, they didn't have the opportunity to do much. Within a short time period, the fire line jumped, causing the firefighters to seek emergency shelter on a rockslide.
Once the fire finished burning past them, they spotted that same little cub clinging to a burnt tree in an attempt to escape the fire.
U.S. Forest Service-Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
Singed, alone, and scared, the cub was also likely orphaned due to the fire. Workers tenderly pried him from the charred tree.
The rescued cub received burns on his paws and legs. A New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Ranger took the injured cub to where he could receive treatment for his burns. They named this sweet bear cub Hotfoot Teddy.
U.S. Forest Service-Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
However, news quickly spread about the bear and his tragic circumstances — namely that he was likely orphaned due to a human-caused forest fire. Many people were curious about the condition of the bear cub. He was later renamed Smokey and gained national attention.

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During this time, Smokey had already been a successful icon for the U.S. Forest Service as a wildfire prevention symbol.
U.S. Forest Service-Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
His first ad was featured in 1944 and his motto, "only you can prevent forest fires," instantly became recognizable. That little bear cub gave new meaning to that catchphrase.
While the advertising image of the bear was already well-known, the living symbol of Smokey became an instant hit.
U.S. Forest Service-Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
Songs were written about him and a movie short was filmed detailing his history. Once he recovered from his injuries, the state's Department of Game and Fish transferred the cub to the care of the Forest Service.
Smokey lived at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. for more than two decades. He was one of the zoo's most popular residents.
Francine Schroeder/Wikimedia Commons
Smokey Bear died in 1976 and his remains were returned to a garden in his birthplace — Lincoln National Forest.
Today, you can visit Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan, the same area where Smokey Bear was originally found.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Here, you'll find a museum dedicated to both the real-life and fictional Smokeys. The museum is filled with collections of memorabilia, decades-old advertisements, and a story of the bears' origins. You can also visit Smokey's grave and pay respects to the living symbol.
Have you had a chance to stop by the historical park or even meet Smokey?
Thomas Hawk/Flickr

By modern standards, the Capitan Gap fire that orphaned Smokey Bear in New Mexico was small. Read about several other forest fires in the Land of Enchantment in our article 4 Devastating New Mexico Wildfires That Have Gone Down In History.

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Smokey Bear in New Mexico

Courtnie Erickson | April 27, 2021

Cool Facts About Smokey Bear Historical Park

While there are many unique things from New Mexico, Smokey Bear is at the top of the list. The Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan honors this famous bear. When visiting this historical park, stop by the visitor’s center. You can learn more about Smokey Bear and his history. You can also learn about several forest fires in New Mexico and wildfire prevention. You’ll want to take a few minutes to visit Smokey Bear’s grave and spend some time in the outdoor area which features a playground, picnic area, and more.

There is a small fee to access the Smokey Bear Historical Park.

Forest Fires in New Mexico

Unfortunately, New Mexico knows the devastation and destruction forest fires can cause. The Whitewater-Baldy Complex Fire in 2012 was one of the largest forest fires in New Mexico. More than 1,200 firefighters battled the blaze and the fire burned up to 289,478 acres.

In 2011, The Las Conchas Fire destroyed approximately 156,293 acres and 63 homes. This fire was so large that smoke could be seen on the International Space Station. This fire began with a single tree knocking down a power line.

New Mexico Trivia You Need To Know

New Mexico is not only home to some incredible sights but it also has a rich history that provides for some interesting trivia. One question you will often hear when discussing New Mexico trivia is Smokey Bear’s original name. The answer: Hotfoot Teddy.

Do you want another cool fact about New Mexico? The Rio Grande is the Land of Enchantment's longest river. It flows the entire length of New Mexico.

You can learn even more about New Mexico and five of its tiny towns in this article.

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Capitan, NM 88316, USA