Best Time to See Bears in Georgia
June, May and July is the best time to see bears in Georgia. Based on 415 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bears are most active across the year in Georgia.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
415 verified observations of bears in Georgia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bears are recorded in Georgia
Peak month
June
70 records (16.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7 | 1.7% |
| February | 5 | 1.2% |
| March | 11 | 2.7% |
| April | 38 | 9.2% |
| Maypeak | 68 | 16.4% |
| Junepeak | 70 | 16.9% |
| Julypeak | 64 | 15.4% |
| August | 45 | 10.8% |
| September | 30 | 7.2% |
| October | 44 | 10.6% |
| November | 22 | 5.3% |
| December | 11 | 2.7% |
Bears you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Black Bear | 415 |
Sightings of bears in Georgia peak in June, when 70 of the year's 415 verified observations are logged — about 16.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, May and July.
The quietest stretch is February and January, when bears are hardest to find — February sees just 5 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 Georgia 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 Georgia
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Cumberland Island National Seashore — National Seashore
- Fort Pulaski National Monument — National Monument
- Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Andersonville National Historic Site — National Historic Site
Tours and experiences nearby
Viator
Book a bear tour in Georgia
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
Booking.com
Stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bear viewing in Georgia.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bears in Georgia?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, May and July, based on 415 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bears hardest to see in Georgia?+
February is the quietest month for bears in Georgia, with only 5 verified records.
Are bears active year-round in Georgia?+
Bears are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Georgia, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see bears
More wildlife in Georgia