The Weird History and Secret Burial of Smokey Bear

[@johnstephenson1533]

Thank you for your showing this about Smokey and the Firefighter Memorial. I spent 35 years working for the US Forest Service, I didn't do a lot of fire fighting myself, and I know many people who did it for many years. I know several who did not make it out, I would also like to mention the aircraft pilots and air crews who put their lives on the line.

[@borandell9915]

One of the things that sets you apart from other content creators is that you actually do a lot of research about whatever you are going to film. I know it takes time but it sure makes your vids more interesting. Thank you

[@zje1851]

Back when I was a kid I had an opportunity to visit a forest service lookout tower. It was awesome. The ranger gave me a comic that told the Smokey bear story. I don't have it anymore, but I still remember exactly what it looked like.

[@claytonhowe2309]

I retired from the US Forest Service Fire Management in Jan. 2020 after 44 seasons with FD's, CAL FIRE, Bureau of Land Management and USFS. I found you recently, have enjoyed several video's. Thank you for this, my Dad was a Forest Service Firefighter as well and I loved Smokey Bear yet had never seen this Museum. Also best wishes for those you care about in CA's Santa Cruz Mountains as I write this. Take care!

[@anitamitchell3452]

Thanks for the history lesson. RIP Smokey Bear.

[@kylerdad123]

Wonderhussy, you honored Smoky by lecturing us on the story of his life. I thank you for the great history lesson, and the great tour of Capital, NM! Best wishes to a great adventurer, and awesome young lady! 🤙🧧😀🌺

[@Kelly-tj8xv]

I love that the people were forward thinking, to bury him in his hometown. That's very unusual - most people wouldn't go to these lengths. Cool that they also buried the balloon there too. Talk about an all inclusive visit to the park!

[@lakedog7313]

Wonderhussy this may be my favorite video that you've done. Thank you. RIP Smokey 🐻 ❤️

[@steveludwig4200]

100% agree...Nicely said.

[@andylossing7628]

I grew up knowing about Smokey Bear. You are correct in your Smokey history. I’ve always had love for Smokey. I’ll have to go there and see his burial place and that Smokey Bear park and museum.

[@redwing771]

all us kids back in the day loved smoky , so it made this video surprisingly moving . that little cub saved no telling how many life's , and the message is still going , we heard the story of little Smoky as kids and took it to heart , RIP Smoky

[@billyphoenix5139]

I have to admit you got me with this video Sarah. As a kid I thought Smokey was the best which encouraged my love of the outdoors and Conservation. Brought back good memories for sure!👍👍

[@mikehamilton3833]

Your enthusiasm for Smokey Bear is contagious. I want to visit Capitan, NM. You are such a good teacher of history, if only I had you in history class, I may have paid attention. Thanks for your videos.

[@patb9375]

A French fur trapper wrote about a forest fire in the 1600s that covered all of the western states and western Canada. He traveled for two years and found very little that was not burnt. Awesome video on Smokey Bear nice to see one thing from my youth that is not attacked by rabid haters. Very nice of you to drive all the way over to help the tree guy find his nuts, you are very caring. Love your videos, please keep them coming.

[@swgypsy7311]

Thanks for the inspirational visit. I had forgotten going on a school trip to a Ranger station back in 1st grade (circa 1960) in California & getting all sorts of Smokey stuff. Thanks for the nice memory. 💖

[@llew-AZ]

Your like a history teacher. Nice notes and tie in to your other adventures.

[@crowman8914]

But hotter every guy wishes to pound and creampie

[@williampatience9524]

With a little bit of Ripley's believe it or not mixed in.

[@dougalexander7204]

There’s nothing wrong with you. Your love for life and adventure is as beautiful as you are. You work hard at these videos and teach us so much about western history. Thank you for sharing. Please stay awesome. And, Smokey does look 🔥 lit.

[@FelaciaBarrie]

This actually made me cry. I've always loved Smokey Bear. Thanks Sara!

[@Peter_S_]

I'm touched.

[@gregprince2523]

So much history in those big trees Sarah!! Everytime I drive thru Ruidoso I stop and spend an hour to visit and reminisce. ❤

[@toddjohnson5504]

Seeing Smokey’s grave really puts things in perspective.

[@joedavis4150]

Wonderhussy Adventures is my favorite virtual reality.

[@danokitemanotoo1791]

As a veteran Firefighter of 15 years, I've actually been in the Smokey Bear costume at many events for kids! The Forest Service has a small booklet of rules to abide by like, No Talking & Not Letting kids see you Don or Doff the costume! The other Big one is if a kid starts crying or is scared, You Must Walk Away (Period). Then we had to sign a log sheet as a time stamp of our "entertainment" hours as well as have a Firefighter as a guide wherever we went.

[@ralphalvarez5465]

Love your videos... You are helping to preserve the history of America by getting people to learn and explore these places. Places where you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to visit and learn something interesting... Look forward to seeing more of your adventures

[@HARMARSCH2]

Wonderhussey, He had a Spade Shovel in his right hand.

[@tractorhyatt7044]

Great tribute to Smokey Bear! Thank you for sharing! 🚜👍

[@Ireacttoreactions]

Wow Sarah,nice video,i never knew there was so much to learn about Smokybear,thank you for your fun,lively and informational narration,this is why I love your channel.looking forward to your next outstanding adventure darlin,stay blessed and safe!

[@leisure057blank3]

I love Smokey the Bear - sorry always called him that since I got my stuffed animal with Shovel and Hat, and also a metal truck with a metal smokey that ran on batteries. I think I was 4 or 5.

[@brianlanders5306]

I wish I could agree more than once, because the other way sounds like a cigarette smoking dufous or whatever else it's smoking. LOL SMOKEY THE BEAR, it's not on fire or smoking.

[@grantlee459]

I love your energy and your ambition to explore. Been a big fan of yours for along time. Love your necklace and your smile.

[@paulneighbors6066]

You have a true American name. That's Awesome.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

Awesome video Sarah ,, I have seen many Smokey Bear forest warning signs over the years,,NEVER knowing the history of his existence other than part of nature's wildlife making a statement for their home... the forest.... Great job on passing the knowledge........Stay Safe and God Bless.....

[@dougmhd2006]

Thank you for clearing up the misconception about Smokey's full name. I've always called him "Smokey the Bear" up till now. I stumbled on your channel through my recommendations and stayed for the travel and history. Keep up the good work.

[@brianlanders5306]

She doesn't know what the hell she's talking about, that fire accured in Northern California, where there's actually black bears and it's Smokey the Bear, Smokey Bear is what truckers called Highway Patrolman back in the day of citizens band radios. Yeah, I'm that old. I wouldn't trust anything that New Mexico puts out.

[@bstephens182]

Ty for taking the time to make the videos for all to enjoy

[@wesallen4228]

Loved your narrative of Smokey Bear history. Nice hike in the park too.

[@gabestenzel5373]

You do a great job with telling the history and background of places like this. You are a great story teller. Thanks for bringing these stories of out of the way places to the channel. I may never get to New Mexico to visit this site, but I feel as though I have visited Smokey's resting place through your eyes.

[@glamper-jan]

I love your commentary and your videos! Keep it up and stay safe!

[@missgreene4937]

Found this 1 day after the Massive Gatlinburg, Tennessee Wilfire. VeryInteresting Story of Smokey Bear! Loved it!

[@starman3868]

That's an amazing story. Love your videos. Any location with a story is always riveting.

[@danheidel]

Ha! Growing up in Montana, we constantly has to watch movies and read books about forest fires because half the state burns down every summer. We had to read that book about Smokey. I had completely forgotten that memory until this video.

[@tomfrye9037]

Great video, Little Darlin'(8-). I grew up watching Smokey Bear's campaign about preventing forest fires.. No I know how the forestry service got hold of him to start with. I don't recall ever hearing the story until just now. Thanks a heap, Beauty Queen(8-).

[@kenycharles8600]

This is actually inspirational. Thanks for bringing me along with you.

[@walterfink9782]

I loved your video today. Your videos are so interesting. And entertaining! And, you research each subject you talk about. Thank you!

[@karenbaird8795]

Ah, I loved Smokey Bear when I was a kid, I remember the pics of him with his burnt little paws when they found him! I lived in NM years ago and have been there🤎

[@rhett4027]

I was 13 when the illustrator of Smokey Bear for the Forest Service used to pick us up for church outside of Washington DC in Arlington, VA. I loved the house where they lived with a huge piano placed in the huge room where they enjoyed life and smelled of smoked ham.

[@jacklisiecki2389]

Great adventure. Had a tear in my eye for Smokey! Thanks WH!

[@daledollins2839]

Thank you for your research on the Smokey Bear history. Very interesting and informative.

[@davidscheffler8809]

Thank you for the history lesson on Smokey Bear. I learn something new from everyone of you videos. Stay Safe!!

[@markkennedy5712]

I lived in Arlington Va as a child. Mom brought us to see Smokey at the National zoo. Great video. Now I live in the Mojave Ca.area

[@MrLuvvpl]

I love this one Wonderhussy, I grew up with ole Smokey Bear. Yes the burial time was real odd but thin about it. Look at some of the things you can buy at a particular online auction...... Any bone of Smokey Bear would probably go for a exuberant price..... RIP Smokey Bear

[@rickkrough6167]

I have friend who looks just like Smokey when he is stoned. My friend now has a new nickname , Love your Videos!

[@jacobdanneskjold8472]

You are one neat Wonderhussy!! I remember Smokey from when I was a kid in DC. You really find the coolest unknown spots. Cheers!!

[@rlondon1958]

Excellent research and story of Smokey Bear. Thank you Sarah 😘

[@jonathanheussi6332]

Cool, loved him when I was a kid

[@CharlieB.-]

Always bringing us interesting knowledge! 🐻🌲🚫🔥

[@georgeszilva1223]

I got a Smokey Bear stuffy as a kid for Xmas..he had a hat and shovel..lol......BTW.. this video triggered the memory!.. lol

[@terrygraham1877]

I liked the name Smokey Bear better then the cub's original named of Hotfoot Teddy. Believe it or not, the first animal they used to deliver the "prevent forest fires" message was Walt Disney's cartoon animal Bambi.

[@dekcgi7891]

.....Like your smile.....Love your style.....Glad that you could Smokey a while.....!!

[@racedog19]

You're a great story teller.

[@tammyfleming3643]

I've never heard that story before. Loved it ❤️

[@KS-bh5df]

Dang! Got something in my eye while watching this excellent video.

[@motamark]

Wow another interesting video .......thanks for trucking back and making the video !

[@marktaniguchi7901]

Touching and great video Sara. Now I know where I can go to see my child hood hero. And pick up some Memento of him too. Thanks.

[@kathleenhorner9296]

Awww, I love Smokey the Bear! Awesome vlog! Love the statue of ol' Smokey. I had no idea! Thanks for sharing once again!

[@MrSpongie1]

The eye's on him and being called Smokey hahaha nice... love your blanket. Smokey Bear.... Yogi's uncle.

[@RobAlexander-zy6kw]

Thanks Sara Jane! Ioved that goldenbook! I'm 64.😢

[@mikebarbarabilbo6477]

Excellent video - I shared it with all the volunteer fire departments and Forest Service Smokey Bear District, Capitan mayor and the county manager here in in Lincoln County (I'm in the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Dept - our district is from Lincoln of Billy the Kid fame almost to Capitan). I live at Fort Stanton and from the terrain, looks like you were camping about 3 miles away. In a couple weeks I'm taking our search and rescue team to the approximate spot where smokey was rescued. We do terrain familiarization outings and hikes so members can see terrain situations in daytime, in case we get called out (which is usually 2:30 am, in cold, drizzling rain), because of overdue hikers and hunters, usually this time of year. In November we're going out to the UFO Corona Crash site, which is about 20 miles beyond the Capitans, so members can see the route and terrain. So if you come this way again, be sure to check out old Lincoln Town, Fort Stanton Historic Site and the Corona UFO Crash Site.

[@tanilivengood3367]

I am a truck driver. We recently delivered tarps to a first service in Missouri. I met and spoke with a woman who was an official smoky bear mascot. She said the original smoky mascot was a woman but the mascot never spoke they presented it as a male mascot. Interesting facts on Smokey bears history thanks for sharing

[@oldminer5387]

Great video. I have been a Smokey Bear fan since I can rember. Did not know his complete story, thank you for telling it.

[@nancysmith2295]

Thank you for the story of Smokey Bear! I grew up with the stuff as my father took us to the forests often. Toyibe-Humbolt and Tahoe.

[@candysantillo3325]

Love all of your videos !this one taught me something that I didn’t know plus was very sweet 💖

[@adventourgirl1096]

You learn something new everyday. Thanks for sharing!

[@robertstockamp6992]

When I was a kid in the 60's my Dad had a magnetic Smokey the Bear cigarette snuffer stuck to the dashboard of our 1959 Plymouth Suburban station wagon.

[@debbiemclaughlin4945]

I had all kinds of Smokey Bear memorabilia years ago. My brother was a fire fighter for the forest Service. I even had a Smokey Bear stuffed animal. Wish I still had it all today.

[@susanhelms1553]

Thank you so much for sharing that wonderhussy I love Smokey bear anyway he's so cute have a great evening be safe

[@squareglow]

Storytime before bedtime. Thanks for the good story! Ni ni.

[@grizzly22485]

Any girl that loves Smokey Bear is my kinda desert girl. Great video!

[@starman10548]

Spent a lot of time around Ruidoso and Cloudcroft. Went to Military School in Roswell. Love the Sacramento Mountains. Have to admit this made me teary eyed.

[@michaelkaiser4674]

Thanks again for sharing life with enthusiasm and passion my beautiful friend

[@jackprice8937]

Somebody swiped Smokey's shovel , people are terrible I don't get it ? Happy 26 Birthday Sweetie !!!

[@gregraymond428]

Hey “Wonderhussy” yeah I remember watching “Smokey Bear” on t.v. when I was a kid. Great times.👍🇦🇺🤪😁

[@jimmielee8353]

I love your videos and binge watch them regularly lol thanks keep it coming please

[@jayhill5245]

Awesome my back yard, love watching videos here in Capitain. Ty Wonder Hussy

[@suzanjournagan1112]

Great , thanks for trekking to NM . Nice history on Smokey Bear. 🐻

[@fratermus5502]

I was just there this weekend. Was boondocking on up on Ft Stanton conservation area at ~6700' and came down to see Smokey.

[@vanscoyoc]

You have to love Wonder*ussy!

[@Formaldehydex]

"There might be something wrong with me." Bwahaha. Great segment.

[@ericdupont1326]

Hello from Finistère ; I love your videos out in the wild ; thanks Sarah ; have a good day

[@PoM-MoM]

Thanks WH for this... I just luv Smokey 🐻🌲 I went to my local US NFS office Smokey Bear Anniversary this Summer. Stickers,keychain and pics with Smokey (in costume). Was fun. I'm still a child at ❤ sometimes, too.

[@drew8256]

I remember seeing him in the DC zoo. Thanks for the interesting history lesson.

[@stephenmclendon8723]

I ate at the Smokey Bear restaurant last month on my way home to California from Mississippi. Nice place and friendly waitresses.

[@jumpinjack1156]

Bet the "photo" Smokey was holding a shovel that someone ripped off. RIP Smokey. Nice work Hussy !!!

[@reneeh2050]

Loved this vid. I am a big fan of Smokey. This year would be his 75th birthday 🎂❤️

[@glennjudd2467]

Nice ! World famous smokey bear ! Interesting !

[@glennjudd2467]

Just never knew , there was an actual real bear ! Worth seeing !

[@briangarrow448]

When I was 4 or 5 years old, I had a stuffed Smokey Bear that my parents bought for me as a present when we camped one summer in a national forest. I loved that damn thing. A year or two later my 2 older brothers, (4 and 8 years older than me), decided I was too old for a Teddy bear. They ripped him from my arms while I screamed and blubbered mucho tears, and then tossed him into the burning barrel in our back yard and lit him into a pyrotechnic sacrifice. Talk about youthful emotional trauma. Good times...

[@PoM-MoM]

And I thought my siblings were mean LOL 🤣 My mom would have beat their butts for playing with 🔥 and taunting.

[@dinogirl1able]

Did your psycho brothers grow up to be "burners" (burning man groupie's)?

[@brianheffernan8982]

That was a great video, Sarah. Very informative.

[@rikspector]

WW, Great Video, very moving. Awwww Smokey, I remember it, errr HIM well :) Cheers, Rik Spector

[@fredmontgomery9166]

That is SMOKIN AWESOME!! Trip planning this!!!

[@hestheMaster]

I knew if I looked hard enough there would be a vlog episode of Sarah visiting Capitan,NM because of Smokey Bear.

[@dalebelseth3058]

I had the big Golden Book, so it's Smokey The Bear for me.

[@bobbilaval6171]

Just like Santa the Clause and Easter the Bunny.

[@brianlanders5306]

@@bobbilaval6171 : And Bobbi the dumbass.

[@johnlubzinski1924]

Great Video Sarah - Great History Lesson also !! RIP Smokey Bear !! - I Love all your videos Sarah !! John - Canada

[@teresax.roberts785]

I learned it was “Smokey Bear” when I attended a conference at the National Archives! Lol. Thank you for educating people!

[@geoffreyjones2000]

I remember visiting him in the 60s and 70s :) he was usually sleeping in his cave

[@jeffshaw4039]

I'm glad Ol' smokey bear had a good life you've been to a lot of cool places maybe one day I can visit smokey's grave.