Smokey

“Smokey”

This image was captured near Jasper, Alberta, in early summer - a time when the mountains are waking fully from winter and the roadsides begin to glow with dandelions gone to seed. It’s during this brief window that we often see more black bears appearing closer to the roadways. Vehicles disperse dandelion seeds, turning roadside ditches into easy foraging grounds - an irresistible buffet for bears rebuilding strength after the long winter months.

We watched this large black bear move slowly and deliberately, nose to the ground, completely focused on feeding. There was no urgency - just the quiet "munch" of survival. Moments like this are a powerful reminder of how closely wildlife and human landscapes intersect, often in ways we don’t immediately realize.

Seeing this bear stirred memories from my childhood, when Smokey the Bear was a familiar and reassuring presence. Growing up, Smokey was everywhere - on signs, in classrooms, and in public service messages reminding us that forest fires were largely preventable. The campaign began during World War II, when many firefighters were serving overseas, and its message was simple but powerful: we all have a role to play in protecting our forests.

That message stuck. Even now, whenever I encounter a large black bear like this one, I’m reminded of Smokey the Bear - the iconic symbol of stewardship and responsibility. 

 - Stan Masters

To down load the story CLICK HERE