Smokey the Bear, the trusted and revered advocate for forest fire prevention, was brutally attacked at his Island home at the corner of Barnes and Edgartown-West Tisbury Roads sometime this winter, authorities confirmed this week.

Smokey, the Island’s only known bear and/or animal dedicated to public safety, was vandalized sometime in late November, said John Varkonda, superintendent for the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest. Smokey, who was around twelve feet high and made of wood, was broken in half by an assailant, and has since been removed and taken off the Island.

Smokey is known nationally for reminding people that they and they alone have the ability to prevent forest fires, although here on the Vineyard he took a less animated but no less effective approach to fire prevention. Wearing a yellow cap and pair of designer jeans, and holding his trusted shovel, the iconic Smokey would diligently inform people about the current day’s risk of forest fire by simply standing there holding a sign.

Mr. Varkonda said he reported the attack to the Edgartown police, who are continuing their investigation. He also informed the Bureau of Forest Fire Control of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, who represent Mr. Bear, who are planning to either repair the old sign or provide a new one to the Island.

Mr. Varkonda said he anticipates Smokey will be back sometime in the coming weeks.

“People seem to like Smokey,” Mr. Varkonda said. “It will be good to have him back.”