Alaska contest to name new fire-prevention moose mascot

JUNEAU, Alaska — Alaska needs help putting a name to the face of the state’s newest celebrity moose.

The state Division of Forestry is holding a contest to name a cartoon moose that will represent the agency’s statewide fire-prevention campaign, The Juneau Empire reported Tuesday.

The forestry division asked Alaska residents to submit names for the moose that will be featured in the logo of the campaign titled, “Take Time to Learn Before You Burn.”

“The division is hoping for a unique name capturing the spirit of Alaska, the moose and the campaign,” the forestry division said in a statement.

The Legislature passed a 2018 bill updating penalties for burning offences committed on state, municipal and privately owned land.

The law took effect last June and the forestry division, part of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, developed the campaign to assist the division’s goal of reducing fires caused by humans at a rate of 10% annually.

Adults, children and groups can email suggested names to the Department of Natural Resources before Sept. 1.

The forestry division will post the top five entries on its Facebook page and solicit votes from the public between Sept. 15 and Sept. 30.

The winner is scheduled to be announced Oct. 1.

The Associated Press