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An ethological investigation of panhandler black bears (Ursus americanus), conducted in Great Smoky Mountains National Park from 1976 through 1978, focused on agonistic behavior exhibited by these bears in their interactions with park visitors. Seven different types of aggression were recorded. Apparent precipitating factors for such behavior were divided into 20 categories, e.g., handfeeding, petting, photographing, crowding. Of 392 panhandling sessions, 43.9% involved at least one incidence of agonistic behavior; overall, 624 aggressive acts were recorded. Some types of aggression were more likely to occur, and certain precipitating factors were likely to result in specific types of agonistic behavior. Less than 6% of all aggression led to actual physical contact with visitors. Some individual bears reacted more aggressively than others in their interactions with people. In general, more aggressive behavior was shown by males. Management implications include the need for visitor education, enforcement of National Park Service regulations, removal of garbage, and priorities in relocation of bears.