<P> Smokey Bear is an American advertising mascot created by the Ad Council with artist Albert Staehle, possibly in collaboration with writer and art critic Harold Rosenberg . It is administered by the Ad Council, the United States Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters to educate the public about the dangers of wildfires . A campaign featuring Smokey and the slogan "Smokey Says--Care Will Prevent 9 out of 10 Forest Fires" began in 1944 . His later slogan, "Remember...Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires" was created in 1947 . In April 2001, the message was updated to "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires ." According to the Ad Council, he and his message are recognized in the United States by 95% of adults and 77% of children . </P> <P> In 1952, the songwriters Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins had a successful song named "Smokey the Bear". The pair said "the" was added to Smokey's name to keep the song's rhythm . During the 1950s, that variant of the name became widespread both in popular speech and in print, including at least one standard encyclopedia . A 1955 book in the Little Golden Books series was called Smokey the Bear and he calls himself by this name in the book . It depicted him as an orphaned cub rescued in the aftermath of a forest fire . From the beginning, his name was intentionally spelled differently from the adjective "smoky". </P> <P> Smokey Bear's name and image are protected by U.S. federal law, the Smokey Bear Act of 1952 (16 U.S.C. 580 (p - 2); 18 U.S.C. 711). </P> <P> Although the U.S. Forest Service fought wildfires long before World War II, the war brought a new importance and urgency to the effort . The forest service began using colorful posters to educate Americans about the dangers of forest fires . Since most able - bodied men were already serving in the armed forces, none could be spared to fight forest fires on the West Coast . The hope was that local communities, educated about the danger of forest fires, could prevent them from starting in the first place . </P>

When was smokey the bear changed to smokey bear