It at least seems like a lot of pressure to put on a kid: "Only you can prevent forest fires!"

But Smokey Bear, the U.S. Forest Service’s fire prevention mascot, has been an effective messenger since the 1940s!

One of the most popular animal advertising mascots of all time, Smokey Bear has been featured on a U.S. postage stamp and in nearly every Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1968. He also starred in his very own animated series on ABC TV for two years. He managed to crop up on and off in his own comic book titles for twenty years.

The much celebrated anti-arson environmentalist was featured in a traveling exhibition in 1994 to celebrate his golden anniversary. This year, he celebrates his 65th anniversary.