Bears in Arkansas in October
Yes, October is one of the best months to see bears in Arkansas. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 280 of the 1,630 sightings logged across the year (17.2%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Peak month for bears in Arkansas
17.2%
of yearly sightings
280
records in October
#2
busiest month of 12
1,630
verified records a year
September 15.3%, October 17.2%, November 5%. Busiest month is July at 22.9%.
1,630 verified observations of bears in Arkansas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bears are recorded in Arkansas
Peak month
July
374 records (22.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 17 | 1% |
| February | 4 | 0.2% |
| March | 9 | 0.6% |
| April | 80 | 4.9% |
| May | 112 | 6.9% |
| June | 125 | 7.7% |
| Julypeak | 374 | 22.9% |
| Augustpeak | 250 | 15.3% |
| September | 250 | 15.3% |
| Octoberpeak | 280 | 17.2% |
| November | 82 | 5% |
| December | 47 | 2.9% |
Bears you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Black Bear | 1,630 |
In Arkansas, October carries 17.2% of the year's bears sightings, about 8.9 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from September (15.3%) into October, and it heads toward November (5%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so October is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The bears most often recorded in Arkansas are American Black Bear. Those counts are annual totals rather than a October split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in October itself.
Which bears you are most likely to see
- American Black Bear1,630 records
Plan your bear trip in Arkansas
Start with live tours near Arkansas Post National Memorial, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Arkansas Post National Memorial
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main bear viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Arkansas Post National Memorial
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bear viewing area in Arkansas.
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Broader backupBook a bear tour in Arkansas
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
Can you see bears in Arkansas in October?+
Yes. October accounts for 280 of the 1,630 verified bears sightings logged in Arkansas across the year, which is 17.2% of the annual total.
Is October a good time to see bears in Arkansas?+
October is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of July, October and August.
What month is best for bears in Arkansas?+
July is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through July, October and August, based on 1,630 verified observations.
Which bears are you most likely to see in Arkansas?+
The most-recorded species in Arkansas are American Black Bear, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See bears in Arkansas in other months
More places to see bears
More wildlife in Arkansas