Today, Smokey Bear celebrates his 80th birthday while continuing to spread fire safety messages.

Smokey Bear turns 80 years old today, Friday, Aug. 9.

In celebration of his 80 years of educating Americans on fire safety, here are eight fascinating facts about one of the country's most cherished mascots.

The U.S. Forest Service emphasizes that the significance of his message about fire prevention in outdoor areas remains the same as it did 80 years ago.

Here's what to know.

1. He replaced Bambi

In 1944, when the U.S. Forest Service introduced Smokey Bear, he had to fill some big shoes - or rather, hooves.

Prior to Smokey's introduction, the Forest Service's fire prevention campaign featured an animated deer: Bambi.

Robert Westover, spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service, revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital that Walt Disney "lent us Bambi."

Westover stated that Bambi was the fire prevention image for the initial year, but Walt remarked, "You guys need to come up with your own image."

The U.S. Forest Service officially authorized Smokey Bear on Aug. 9, 1944.

2. There's no ‘the’ in his name

Smokey Bear's name is simply Smokey Bear, as Westover clarified, and not "Smokey the Bear."

"It's a common misnomer," Westover said.

It seems that the blame for the name "Smokey the Bear" can be attributed to folk singer Eddy Arnold, who released a song with that title in 1955.

Westover stated that he sang "Smokey the Bear" because he believed it had a more rhythmic fit.

"Although it is commonly recognized in the national consciousness, it is actually 'Smokey Bear'."

3. Smokey Bear is a child of World War II

During World War II in the 1940s, there was a significant worry that America's forests were in danger of being attacked by the enemy, as stated by Westover to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"Our forests are valuable resources, and as citizens of the United States, we made a concerted effort not to burn down our own forest."

Smokey Bear as a concept came around shortly thereafter.

4. There was a ‘real’ Smokey Bear

A real-life bear was once known as "Smokey Bear," which is now commonly depicted in picture form or as a balloon during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

An orphaned bear cub from New Mexico, who was badly burned in a fire, is the living Smokey Bear, according to Westover.

He embodied Smokey Bear, becoming his living image, he stated.

Smokey Bear, the beloved woodland character, spent the rest of his days at the National Zoo as the most popular exhibit in its history.

5. He is one of the most recognized figures in the USA

Smokey Bear's popularity extends far beyond the National Zoo.

A significant number of adults are acquainted with Smokey Bear and his campaign to encourage fire safety and wildfire prevention, as indicated by polls.

In 2019, the Ad Council reported that 96% of American adults were familiar with Smokey Bear's slogan.

"Westover stated that the individual is highly popular and serves as an excellent ambassador for wildfire prevention. He is often referred to as a "gateway bear" to spark interest in the great outdoors."

6. His catchphrase has changed

Wildfires can be prevented only by you, as Smokey Bear's message says today.

Since 2001, he has only been using that specific phrase.

From 1947 to April 2001, Smokey Bear's message remained constant: "Prevent Forest Fires - It's Up to You."

Smokey Says Preventing Care Will Prevent 9 Out of 10 Forest Fires.

Westover stated that Smokey Bear's message was altered because not all fires are inherently harmful.

""Some natural fires are beneficial, while man-made fires can be harmful, particularly when we are careless in the forest, which I call 'stupid fire,'" he stated."

7. His message is still relevant all these decades later

Westover stated that Smokey Bear's message about preventing wildfires remains relevant today.

Smokey's message has consistently emphasized your duty, such as ensuring a campfire is completely extinguished before leaving a campsite, abstaining from smoking in the forest, and securing vehicle trailers with chains.

"Chains dragging can cause sparks that ignite forest and grass fires," Westover stated.

"Remember that over 80% of fires are caused by human activity when you're outdoors. It's crucial to be mindful of our actions and take responsibility for preserving these magnificent natural landscapes for future generations."

8. He inspired other fire prevention mascots worldwide

The adoption of new fire safety characters in other countries and municipalities was due to the success of Smokey Bear.

In Alberta, Canada, "Bertie Beaver" is the emblem of fire prevention for the Alberta Forest Service, as stated on the Alberta government's website.

"Ember, the FireSmart Fox," a program run by FireSmart Canada, educates Canadians on how to apply FireSmart principles to their homes and properties to better protect against wildfires, as stated on the FireSmart Canada website.

In England, "Welephant" taught children fire safety in the 1980s.

The Children's Burns Trust now symbolizes him, a charity that offers care for children with burns or scalds, as per its website.

Smokey has been imitated throughout the world," Westover said. "The greatest form of flattery is, of course, imitation.

"It's amazing to see how different countries have their unique versions of Smokey, and it's exciting to think that it has had an impact over 80 years."

Smokey Bear through the years: See the photos