Best Time to See Bears in Alabama
June, May and July is the best time to see bears in Alabama. Based on 79 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bears are most active across the year in Alabama.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
79 verified observations of bears in Alabama, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bears are recorded in Alabama
Peak month
June
16 records (20.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 2.5% |
| February | 6 | 7.6% |
| March | 3 | 3.8% |
| April | 4 | 5.1% |
| Maypeak | 11 | 13.9% |
| Junepeak | 16 | 20.3% |
| Julypeak | 10 | 12.7% |
| August | 4 | 5.1% |
| September | 4 | 5.1% |
| October | 7 | 8.9% |
| November | 8 | 10.1% |
| December | 4 | 5.1% |
Bears you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Black Bear | 79 |
Sightings of bears in Alabama peak in June, when 16 of the year's 79 verified observations are logged — about 20.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, May and July.
The quietest stretch is January and March, when bears are hardest to find — January sees just 2 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bears you are most likely to encounter in Alabama are American Black Bear — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see bears in Alabama
- Horseshoe Bend National Military Park — National Military Park
- Little River Canyon National Preserve — National Preserve
- Natchez Trace Parkway — Parkway
- Russell Cave National Monument — National Monument
- Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument — National Monument
- Freedom Riders National Monument — National Monument
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bear viewing in Alabama.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bears in Alabama?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, May and July, based on 79 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bears hardest to see in Alabama?+
January is the quietest month for bears in Alabama, with only 2 verified records.
Are bears active year-round in Alabama?+
Bears are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Alabama, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see bears
More wildlife in Alabama