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SMOKEY BEAR COSTUME USE

DO....

Please 

Individuals who use the costume 

must agree to the following:

USE the Smokey Bear costume ONLY to 

further public information, education, and 

awareness of wildfire prevention.

Effective uses of the Smokey Bear costume are public events such as parades, school appearances, fairs, youth-group meetings, conservation activities, 

television appearances, sporting events, civic and community events and similar 

functions where a wildfire prevention message can be conveyed.

i Secure a private dressing room for putting on and taking off the costume, preferably with air conditioning for hot months.

i Keep costume out-of-sight before and after use. 

i Use only a clean, complete, and good-conditioned costume.

i Remain anonymous at every appearance and in any publicity connected with an appearance.

i Exhibit appropriate animation to be effective. 

Express sincerity and interest while appearing 

in the costume by moving paws, head, and 

legs. Appear dignified and friendly. 

i Always be accompanied by an appropriately uniformed escort in public appearances, except where not practical, such as on a parade float 

where space is limited. The escort shall guide 

Smokey at the elbow.

i A round-point shovel is part of the Smokey Bear image. It shall be used for 

appearances, when appropriate. A bucket 

is also a good idea.

i Limit appearances to 15-20 minute 

segments to minimize personal discomfort and avoid heat-related 

illnesses. Have drinking water available.

i Let the visitor initiate a hug, paw-shake, or other greeting. Spreading his arms or 

extending a paw, and waiting, is a good 

way for Smokey to let them know it’s OK 

to be approached. 

i Before leaving the changing room inspect the following:

&Is the drawstring tucked in?

&Is the zipper out of sight?

&Are the buttons fastened?

&Is the belt firmly fastened to pants?

&Are the pant cuffs neat?

&Is the hat crown up?

&Is the head straight on the shoulders?

&Is the fur brushed neatly?

Smokey & escort

Private 

dressing 

area

Costume 

out of sight

Remain anonymous

No ill-kept 

Smokey!
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Smokey Bear is 

not an Agency 

or Department 

mascot and 

should never be 

treated as such!

SMOKEY BEAR COSTUME USE

DON’T USE when:

i At a function where wildfire 

messaging is NOT conveyed. Examples: holiday and retirement 

parties, summer picnics, job fairs, 

Combined Federal Campaign, etc.

i In any situation that might 

compromise Smokey Bear’s 

integrity or give the appearance of impropriety, solely a “celebrity 

appearance”, or a photo opportunity.

Never put Smokey in an unsafe environment, or difficult situation. 

This ranges from uneven footing 

situations to tight quarters with 

numerous people to skiing, driving 

or boating. 

i Never appear in less than full 

costume. This includes being 

photographed without the head. 

i Do not allow any photographs when getting into and out of the 

costume.

i Avoid clowning, horseplay and vulgar gestures. 

i DO NOT SPEAK during appearances. Conversations or 

explanations should be carried 

out by the accompanying official 

escort.

i Do not use alcohol or illicit 

drugs prior to and during the 

Smokey Bear appearance. This 

applies to the uniformed escort as well.

i Smokey Bear should not act 

aggressively and should always let the public approach him first, especially 

small children. 

i After use do not put a sweat-soaked costume back in the box. Allow to 

air-dry first.

Ordering a Costume

Official Smokey Bear costumes must be 

ordered from authorized manufacturers. 

The Forest Service’s Office of Inspector 

General has determined that costume 

manufactures can only sell costumes to 

federal agencies, state forestry agencies 

and only those other organizations 

specifically authorized by the Forest 

Service or State Foresters.

Currently there are four manufacturers:

&Facemakers, Inc. http://www. facemakersincorporated.com/

smokeybear.html

&Shafton Inc. http://www. shaftonic.com/smokey.htm

&Signs and Shapes (has an inflatable Smokey Bear costume) 

http://www.walkaround.com/

about/walkarounds

&Smokey Signals

(formerly Sykes Services) 

http://www.

smokeysignal.

com/

Too dangerous!

DON’T

Individuals who use the costume must 

agree to the following:

Please 

Friendly 

but not 

aggressive.
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SMOKEY BEAR Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who owns and manages Smokey Bear?

A. By law Smokey Bear is managed by the US Forest Service, the

National Association of State Foresters, and the Ad Council which make 

up the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention Program (CFFP) committee. 

Since the inception of the CFFP Program, the professional advertising firm 

of Foote, Cone and Belding (FCB) West has donated its time and talent to 

the Smokey Bear campaign. Go to PSACentral.org for current Ad Council 

PSAs you can use.

Q. How does the Forest Service pay for advertising?

A. The Forest Service does not pay for advertising. Working with the Ad Council, the Forest Service national

and regional managers secure donated media time and space be it television, radio, newspaper 

and magazines, transportation shelters, internet service providers and/or outdoor advertisers. 

Q. Where can I get Smokey Bear products?

A. Check the following websites for various products:

• www.symbols.gov • www.stateforesters.org/store

Q. Can local units produce their own wildfire prevention materials?

A. Yes, local units may produce fliers, brochures, and educational materials when it is determined that they are needed

to supplement the national campaign, or to address specific local or regional problems. To insure high standard and 

uniformity, field units need to work with state/regional wildfire prevention coordinators. Only approved Smokey Bear art 

shall be used and care must be taken so that these materials do not conflict with or detract from the national effort.

Q. Is it ok to use Smokey’s image for other things other than wildfire prevention?

A. Absolutely not! Smokey is not any agency’s mascot and shouldn’t be treated as such. Areas that are especially subject

to abuse include: t-shirts and jacket art for fire crews, employees, and ranger districts. If for any reason these products are 

offered for sale they are subject to regulations governing licensing. Smokey’s image is not to be used for special events 

that are unrelated to wildfire prevention such as fun runs, community events, and retirement notices (unless the individual 

had a direct connection with the wildfire prevention program). It is inappropriate to use Smokey’s image on email 

signature lines, cover sheets, book/folders, conference notices, etc. Units are not at liberty to create or modify 

existing Smokey artwork or graphics. Smokey’s image shall not be demeaned or tarnished.

Q. Who manages Smokey Bear social media platforms?

A. The Ad Council manages all of Smokey Bear’s social media platforms.

Q. Who can post on Smokey Bear social media platforms?

A. Original feeds come from the Ad Council, but the public can follow Smokey and engage

with him on all his social media channels.

Q. How can a unit get their information posted to one of Smokey Bear’s social media platforms?

A. Share the information with the Ad Council Smokey Bear Campaign Manager at zwilliams@adcouncil.org,

the NASF Communications Chair at wforman-cook@stateforesters.org, or the USFS Wildfire Prevention 

Program Manager at gwen.beavans@usda.gov.

Q. Can I create my own Smokey Bear artwork?

A. Under Freedom of Speech individuals can draw and create new images. However if they use

the image to sell a product then they must have a commercial license and the image and product 

must be approved by the USFS Wildfire Prevention Program Manager. Agency personnel are not at 

liberty to create or modify Smokey Bear’s image. Only approved and dated Smokey Bear artwork by the 

Director, Fire and Aviation Management, Washington Office, may be used. Reproductions of existing art may 

not be approved. When in doubt check it out, by contacting the USFS Wildfire Prevention Program Manager at 

gwen.beavans@usda.gov. 
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SMOKEY BEAR

Q. Who needs to have a commercial license?

A. Any entity that uses Smokey Bear’s image for profit is required to

have a commercial license. The Smokey Bear Act, P.L. 82-359, as amended 

by P.L. 93-318 regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture (36 CFR 271), and 

18 USC ch.33-711 provide for the commercial use of the character and name 

of Smokey Bear. His image will always be used in conjunction with an 

approved wildfire prevention message. By words or illustrations, Smokey 

Bear will not endorse a commercial product or service. All licensees shall display the official 

logo on products, packaging and/or advertising. Unauthorized commercial uses are punishable by law. 

Currently there are over 100 licensed vendors who create commercial products.

Q. Is Smokey Bear image trademarked?

A. It is not trademarked or copyrighted, however the name and image of Smokey Bear are protected by acts of

Congress. Despite incorrect information on the internet, Smokey Bear is not in the public domain and approval 

for use is required.

Q. What are the requirements for Smokey Bear licensing?

A. The requirements for Smokey Bear licensing are (1) the proposed product(s) must promote wildfire prevention

education and Smokey Bear’s message (2) the person must be a U.S. Citizen or the company must be a U.S. company 

and (3) the applicant may not have any adverse actions against the U.S. Government (such as lawsuits or tax 

delinquencies).Persons interested in submitting a license proposal should write to info@perpetuallicensing.com

Q. Do I need to get a commercial license if I just want to use Smokey Bear’s image once?

A. A commercial license is required anytime the user is charging a price for the product or likeness of Smokey Bear,

regardless of the amount being charged or the frequency. The type of commercial license will vary between the 

full license and a one-time-use agreement depending on the use. To acquire a one-time-use agreement 

contact the USFS Wildfire Prevention Program specialist at 202-604-2237 or SM.FS.sblicense@usda.gov.

Q. What are the Smokey Bear Awards?

A. There are five official awards: Golden, Silver, and Bronze Statuettes, Appreciation Plaques

and Appreciation Certificates. These awards were developed to recognize individuals and 

organizations for outstanding service in wildland fire prevention.

Q. Who is eligible to compete for a Smokey Bear Award?

A. Individuals or organizations that make outstanding contributions in wildfire prevention efforts including, but

not limited to: educational activities, forest management, law enforcement, journalism, media coverage, advertising 

campaigns, engineering activities, and informational programs. Having wildfire prevention duties as a part of one’s 

official job does not make a person ineligible.

Q. What is the process for the Smokey Bear Awards?

A. Nominations for all National Smokey Bear Awards can be made by anyone having knowledge of the outstanding

wildfire prevention efforts of the nominee. Submit nominations on the official form in accordance with instructions 

provided at www.smokeybear.com/awards.

Further clarification regarding the official Forest Service program policy and 

guidelines can be found in Forest Service Manual Chapter 3110, Cooperative Forest 

Fire Prevention (CFFP) and Forest Service Handbook 5109.18, Chapter 20, CFFP, 

and the Smokey Bear Use Guidelines at www.smokeybear.com

Frequently Asked Questions