Smokey Bear played an unexpected role in aiding law enforcement with the arrest of a man who had been stealing his signs across Florida to sell on the Facebook marketplace.
The Florida agricultural commissioner, Wilton Simpson, noted that the suspect was trying to sell one sign for $1,900.
“What occurs when a foolish criminal involves a bear?” Simpson posted on social media Wednesday.
“Our AG legal team has apprehended a suspect who traveled from Pensacola to Orlando, stealing Smokey Bear signs found in our forests and putting them up for sale on Facebook for $1,900 each,” he added.
“Thanks to Smokey Bear for being a key part of this arrest.”
The suspect’s name has not been disclosed, but he was taken into custody following his arrest.
Simpson mentioned that the suspect could face prison time, though according to reports, charges are still pending.
“Smokey has always been a part of our forests, and today we had the chance to see him actively involved in an arrest,” Simpson remarked.
“What a silly thing to do, really.”
He further emphasized, “[Smokey] is a respected figure among our children, families, and across the nation.”
“Who would even think to steal the likeness of Smokey Bear and attempt to profit from that?”
This initiative aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to combat bushfires, which devastated 24,000 acres last year.
Last year, law enforcement conducted controlled burns over 277,000 acres, investing $93 million in upgraded equipment and deploying Smokey Bear to educate residents on fire prevention.
“If you’re planning to commit a crime in our forests, you might want to reconsider,” Simpson advised.
“We not only face smoke in these forests, but we also have officers on patrol.”
“We take pride in being a proactive state,” he concluded. “Smoky Bear is definitely doing his part.”
