One of our softest and cuddliest plush bear toys, Wishbone is modeled after a real bear that lived in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This plush toy animal was created for educational purposes for young park visitors and stands 12 inches tall. Over the years, many people have inquired about the history of a taxidermy black bear on display at Gatlinburg Welcome Center. The young bear is an especially attractive specimen with a white wishbone marking on his chest. Most bears in the Smokies are jet black, never brown or cinnamon, though a few have the white chest blazes. Wishbone, a yearling, was killed by a car on Newfound Gap Road in the national park, where chances are it had been fed by people or had gotten used to eating scraps of food at one of the picnic areas or campgrounds. Having lost its fear of people, it was only a matter of time before Wishbone was struck by a car, shot by a poacher, or killed by a legal hunter outside the park. Today, Wishbone exists as a reminder for park visitors to keep their food secured and away from bears.

All proceeds generated through the sale of Smokies Life merchandise go to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to support projects and services.