Woodsy Owl—of “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute” fame—turned 50 in 2021, and in addition to creating the birthday illustration for the beloved US Forest Service character, Kulka decided it was time to give him a sidekick too, saying “we need a FEMALE character!” So he came up with the idea for Daisy.
Kulka has been drawing Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl for the US Forest Service since 2004. His illustrations appear on much of the official merchandise for the characters.
Daisy made her debut during the 2021 holiday season with an appearance on the US Forest Service’s holiday card, having a snowball fight with Woodsy, Smokey and the cubs.
“I never thought growing up that I would have a character that would stand alongside Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear, but there she is,” Kulka said in his interview with KYW Newsradio.
