Smokey Bear celebrates his 75th anniversary this year as the poster bear for wildfire prevention across the country.
But Smokey isn’t just a poster bear. Since 1950, he’s existed in 3D form, as a costume worn by rangers, firefighters and volunteers around the country.
The first Smokey costume wasn’t created in Washington or somewhere out west, but right here in Wisconsin, in the Northwoods town of Mercer.
Part of the costume — made with a real bear hide — is still in the town, which today is perhaps more famous for another animal. Claire’ d Loon, a 16-foot tall and 2,000-pound creation, has stood outside the Mercer Chamber of Commerce on Highway 51 since 1981.