AboutWhat does the meme depict?

Smokey the Bear, a mascot character developed for public service announcements, is well-known for promoting fire prevention in the USA, especially in areas rich in wildlife. In various online memes, Smokey is humorously depicted as a menacing figure ready to take revenge on those who harm the environment, whether intentionally or accidentally.

OriginWho did it first?

The character Smokey the Bear was first introduced in 1944, amidst the rise of propaganda during World War II. The debut of Smokey was marked by a poster released on August 9, 1944, which advised hikers to extinguish their campfires completely. Over time, Smokey gained immense popularity, featured across numerous media forms and even inspired fire safety legislation. More about Smokey can be read here.^[1]

Origin: 2004