Best Time to See Bears in Maryland
June, July and May is the best time to see bears in Maryland. Based on 349 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bears are most active across the year in Maryland.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
349 verified observations of bears in Maryland, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bears are recorded in Maryland
Peak month
June
81 records (23.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 1.1% |
| February | 6 | 1.7% |
| March | 11 | 3.2% |
| April | 26 | 7.4% |
| Maypeak | 44 | 12.6% |
| Junepeak | 81 | 23.2% |
| Julypeak | 76 | 21.8% |
| August | 33 | 9.5% |
| September | 23 | 6.6% |
| October | 22 | 6.3% |
| November | 12 | 3.4% |
| December | 11 | 3.2% |
Bears you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Black Bear | 349 |
Sightings of bears in Maryland peak in June, when 81 of the year's 349 verified observations are logged — about 23.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and May.
The quietest stretch is January and February, when bears are hardest to find — January sees just 4 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 Maryland 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 Maryland
- Antietam National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Assateague Island National Seashore — National Seashore
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Chesapeake Bay
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Antietam National Battlefield
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bear viewing in Maryland.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bears in Maryland?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and May, based on 349 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bears hardest to see in Maryland?+
January is the quietest month for bears in Maryland, with only 4 verified records.
Are bears active year-round in Maryland?+
Bears are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Maryland, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see bears
More wildlife in Maryland