SCA Interpretive Ranger Carolyn Sill
Happy 80th Birthday to Smokey Bear!
Earlier this summer I wrote a blog about Smokey Bear. He’s been the face of the Forest Service since 1944 (as well as the face of numerous comic books, public service announcements, enamel pins, t-shirts, and other merch).
But did you know he’s not the only conservation-related mascot, or even the only one for the Forest Service? There have been many before and after him. While none have been as successful as him, there have still been plenty who made a name for themselves. Others are almost totally forgotten. Today, we’ll meet some new friends!
Posie Polecat: Friends Don’t Trash Campsites!
Probably the most obscure mascot is Posie Polecat. (“Polecat” is a Southern US slang term for a skunk.) Skunks are known for their unwelcomed smell, but sweet Posie (whose ironically floral name evokes Flower from Bambi) advocates cleanliness, especially when it comes to camping! As far as I can tell, she only ever appeared on one iron-on patch, and never enjoyed the merchandise or animated public service announcements that Smokey (and some of the others on this list) did. I found one such patch at the Michael Dolan building in Bear Brook State Park, where its name sake’s lifelong Smokey Bear collection is displayed. Hung on a wall of Dolan’s Smokey patches, Posie’s patch proudly proclaims, “Be a Clean Camper!”
Rita Raccoon: The Best 70s Country Star (Sorry, Dolly)
Another almost totally forgotten mascot is Rita Raccoon, who appeared in a single Forest Service PSA in 1979. I wouldn’t mention her at all given the obscurity, except that her short song is very beautifully sung and reminds me of the country music of that era. It’s a beautiful little tune that I’d like to share. I also find the animation for her ad very unique; instead of drawings like a normal cartoon, they used actual photos of animals. It’s a creative art style, however, that sets it apart from most ads of any kind.
Woodsy Owl: The Owl-Knowing One
Okay, now let’s talk about one that people will more readily recognize. Woodsy is an adorable owl who dresses sort of like Robin Hood and, like Smokey, patrols the forest, making sure its visitors are responsible. And just as Smokey is focused on fire safety, Woodsy originally had a specific focus, too: his slogan urged us to “give a hoot, don’t pollute!” He had a whistle that he would toot when he found someone violating this rule. In the early 90s, he was redesigned and given a new, more general slogan: “Lend a hand, care for the land”. He still cares about pollution, of course, but his appearances now feature him doing a variety of things such as planting trees and cleaning up trash. He even received his own theme song, “The Ballad of Woodsy Owl”! My favorite version of it is this 2020 punk cover by the band Kitsch Club:
As an additional fun fact, Woodsy was co-created by three people. Glen Covar and Chuck Williams were Forest Service employees who also worked as consultants for Lassie, the classic show about a kindhearted collie who rescues people. The third person was ad agent Harold Bell, who also did the ads for Lassie, as well as Disney (perhaps this is why Woodsy’s outfit evokes Robin Hood so much?). Woodsy’s aforementioned 90s rehoot-er, sorry, reboot-was done by the Children’s Television workshop, the people who make Sesame Street! I loved Lassie, Sesame Street and Disney movies as a child, so maybe this is why Woodsy is my favorite of the mascots I’ve mentioned so far. Just look at this little guy!
Neighbors To The North: Friends Across The Border
All of the mascots we’ve met so far are from the gold ol’ US of A. But how does Canada (aka America’s Hat) educate people on responsible camping? I’m glad you asked! Meet Bertie Beaver and Ember the Fox!
Unlike all of the other mascots listed here, Bertie is exclusive to just one region, the province of Alberta (hence his name). He was created in 1958 by no less than the Walt Disney Company! That’s right; while one of Woodsy’s creators was merely an employee, Bertie was created by the legendary studio itself, as a thanks to Alberta’s government for allowing Disney to film a movie there. As for his message, he’s essentially the same as Smokey (besides being a beaver and Canadian), warning people about wildfires and the best way to prevent them.
Serving the province of British Columbia is Ember the FireSmart fox. Introduced in 2021, she is the newest mascot on this list. Why a fox? Because these sly critters embody the traits needed to be fire-safe, which FireSmart says are “alertness, adaptability, intelligence and community mindfulness”. And indeed, the community was involved in her creation: the name Ember was chosen via a contest that received 500 submissions. I really like her, with her cute little bandana and Pokemon-esque design. Plus, she’s met our friend Smokey at least once!
Conclusion
One thing I find interesting about all these mascots is how specialized they are. Each focused on a single topic: Rita, Bertie and Ember all urge fire safety; Posie preaches against polluted campgrounds; and while Woodsy is now a broadly pro-environment character, he also started out giving pollution solutions. They also all have unique designs that reflect their respective eras. Posie, Woodsy and Bertie are very Disney-influenced (and, in Bertie’s case, literally made by them), as they were the top animation company of the era each was made. Ember, meanwhile, was clearly influenced by Pokémon, the favorite franchise of most of today’s kids (and adults). Rita’s design doesn’t really evoke a specific cartoon series or studio; rather, she embodies the experimental nature of late 70s entertainment. Most importantly, all of these mascots are adorable, and I’m willing to listen to all of them tell me how to save their woodland homes! Across the decades, and even across country borders, one thing is for certain: everyone loves a cute mascot!
For more on each mascot mentioned here, see these resources!
Woodsy Owl: https://foresthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2012-Spring_Woodsy-Owl-at-40.pdf#page=6
Bertie Beaver: https://www.passherald.ca/news/bertie-beaver’s-65th-birthday-celebration
Ember the fox: https://globalnews.ca/news/9196915/firesmart-canada-new-mascot/
