Bears in Massachusetts in September
Yes, September is a good month to see bears in Massachusetts. It is the 5th busiest month of the year, with 101 of the 1,047 sightings logged across the year (9.6%), 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.
Good month for bears in Massachusetts
9.6%
of yearly sightings
101
records in September
#5
busiest month of 12
1,047
verified records a year
August 10.5%, September 9.6%, October 7.4%. Busiest month is May at 18.6%.
1,047 verified observations of bears in Massachusetts, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bears are recorded in Massachusetts
Peak month
May
195 records (18.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11 | 1.1% |
| February | 7 | 0.7% |
| March | 45 | 4.3% |
| April | 99 | 9.5% |
| Maypeak | 195 | 18.6% |
| Junepeak | 193 | 18.4% |
| Julypeak | 152 | 14.5% |
| August | 110 | 10.5% |
| September | 101 | 9.6% |
| October | 77 | 7.4% |
| November | 38 | 3.6% |
| December | 19 | 1.8% |
Bears you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Black Bear | 1,047 |
In Massachusetts, September carries 9.6% of the year's bears sightings, about 1.3 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 5th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity holds steady between August and September, and it heads toward October (7.4%) after. The busiest month is May (18.6%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The bears most often recorded in Massachusetts are American Black Bear. Those counts are annual totals rather than a September split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in September itself.
Which bears you are most likely to see
- American Black Bear1,047 records
Plan your bear trip in Massachusetts
Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
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 Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bear viewing area in Massachusetts.
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Broader backupBook a bear tour in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts in September?+
Yes. September accounts for 101 of the 1,047 verified bears sightings logged in Massachusetts across the year, which is 9.6% of the annual total.
Is September a good time to see bears in Massachusetts?+
September is the 5th busiest month. It is workable, though May and June is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for bears in Massachusetts?+
May is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through May, June and July, based on 1,047 verified observations.
Which bears are you most likely to see in Massachusetts?+
The most-recorded species in Massachusetts are American Black Bear, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See bears in Massachusetts in other months
More places to see bears
More wildlife in Massachusetts