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Meet Hank of the Smokies: The Bear With a Big Personality and an Even Bigger Message

  • Writer: Big Fan Shirts
    Big Fan Shirts
  • Jun 30
  • 4 min read

If you love the Smoky Mountains, black bears, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Townsend, or a little good-natured tourist humor, then you need to meet Hank of the Smokies.

Hank is the bear behind the TikTok account Hank of the Smokies / Bear Union Local 865, where Smoky Mountain bear safety meets mountain humor, local personality, and just the right amount of sass.



Hank may be funny, but his message is important: respect the bears, keep your distance, don’t feed wildlife, and remember that the Smokies belong to the animals too.


Who Is Hank of the Smokies?

Hank is a realistic, grumpy-but-lovable black bear who speaks for the bears of the Great Smoky Mountains. He has thoughts about tourists, traffic, snacks left in cars, people getting too close to wildlife, and anyone who thinks a bear is there for a photo op.


Through funny videos, quick rules, and bear-approved advice, Hank reminds visitors that black bears are wild animals, not pets, props, or mountain puppies.


Some of Hank’s most popular messages include:

Don’t feed the bears.

Lock your car doors.Keep a safe distance.

Never approach a mama bear and her cubs.

Don’t risk a bear’s life for a TikTok video.

And of course, Hank always says it in a way only Hank can.


Hank’s Favorite Smoky Mountain Advice

Hank has one main rule for humans visiting the Smokies:

Enjoy the mountains, but don’t act like you own them.


Whether you are visiting Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Townsend, Cades Cove, or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Hank wants people to remember that bears live here. Visitors are guests.


That means no feeding, no crowding, no chasing, no car snacks left behind, and definitely no trying to pet a bear because it “looks friendly.”


Hank has shared plenty of reminders on TikTok, including:


Hank’s Bear Safety Rules: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8GrRyX2/

Hank Explains Why Feeding Bears Is Dangerous: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8GrYDpf/

Hank’s Tourist Season Warning: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8GreGny/

Hank Reminds Visitors to Respect Wildlife: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8GrjXMk/

Hank and His Smoky Mountain Animal Friends: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8GMEYrH/


Why People Love Hank

People love Hank because he says what a lot of Smoky Mountain locals are already thinking, but he says it as a bear.


He is funny, but not mean. Educational, but not boring. A little grumpy, but still lovable. Hank makes people laugh while also helping them understand why bear safety matters.

That is what makes the Hank of the Smokies account so special. It is not just entertainment. It is a reminder that the Smoky Mountains are beautiful because they are still wild.


Smoky Mountain Shirts Inspired by Mountain Life

At Big Fan Shirts, we love creating graphic tees inspired by the Smoky Mountains, East Tennessee, black bears, mountain vacations, and the funny little moments that make this area unforgettable.


You can shop all of our Smoky Mountain tees here: https://www.bigfanshirts.com/smoky-mountain-tees


Here are a few Smoky Mountain shirts Hank fans may love:


Surviving Touron Season Shirt

If Hank had a work uniform for tourist season, this might be it.


Our Surviving Touron Season Shirt is perfect for Smoky Mountain locals, bear lovers, cabin owners, park visitors, and anyone who knows that tourist season in East Tennessee can get a little wild.



Gatlinburg Tennessee Comfort Colors Shirt

For anyone who loves Gatlinburg, mountain weekends, cabin trips, and downtown memories, this Gatlinburg Tennessee Comfort Colors Shirt is a cozy way to show your love for one of the Smokies’ most iconic towns.



Townsend Tennessee Comfort Colors Shirt

Townsend is known as the peaceful side of the Smokies, and this shirt is perfect for anyone who loves river days, mountain views, Cades Cove drives, and quiet Smoky Mountain getaways.



Smoky Mountain Just Married Shirts

Planning a honeymoon, anniversary trip, cabin getaway, or mountain wedding? Our matching Husband and Wife Smoky Mountains shirts are made for newlyweds who love the mountains.




Cinnamon Bread Comfort Colors Shirt

Some people come to the Smokies for the mountain views. Some come for the rides. And some of us know the cinnamon bread is reason enough to make the trip.



Follow Hank and Shop Smoky Mountain Favorites

Hank of the Smokies is more than just a funny bear on TikTok. He is a reminder to love the mountains, respect wildlife, and laugh a little along the way.



And when you are ready to wear your love for the Smokies, check out our Smoky Mountain shirts at Big Fan Shirts: https://www.bigfanshirts.com/smoky-mountain-tees


Whether you are a local, a cabin owner, a frequent visitor, or just someone who loves black bears and mountain humor, we hope you find a shirt that feels like your kind of Smoky Mountain memory.


Hank says: admire the bears, respect the mountains, and for the love of honey buns, lock your car doors.


 
 
 

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