Bears in Minnesota in September
Yes, September is a good month to see bears in Minnesota. It is the 5th busiest month of the year, with 132 of the 1,241 sightings logged across the year (10.6%), 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 Minnesota
10.6%
of yearly sightings
132
records in September
#5
busiest month of 12
1,241
verified records a year
August 12.4%, September 10.6%, October 6.6%. Busiest month is June at 22.5%.
1,241 verified observations of bears in Minnesota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bears are recorded in Minnesota
Peak month
June
279 records (22.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10 | 0.8% |
| February | 10 | 0.8% |
| March | 15 | 1.2% |
| April | 120 | 9.7% |
| Maypeak | 244 | 19.7% |
| Junepeak | 279 | 22.5% |
| Julypeak | 171 | 13.8% |
| August | 154 | 12.4% |
| September | 132 | 10.6% |
| October | 82 | 6.6% |
| November | 16 | 1.3% |
| December | 8 | 0.6% |
Bears you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Black Bear | 1,241 |
In Minnesota, September carries 10.6% of the year's bears sightings, about 2.3 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 is easing off from August (12.4%) into September, and it heads toward October (6.6%) after. The busiest month is June (22.5%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The bears most often recorded in Minnesota 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 Bear1,241 records
Plan your bear trip in Minnesota
Start with live tours near Grand Portage National Monument, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Grand Portage National Monument
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main bear viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Grand Portage National Monument
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bear viewing area in Minnesota.
Viator
Broader backupBook a bear tour in Minnesota
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 Minnesota in September?+
Yes. September accounts for 132 of the 1,241 verified bears sightings logged in Minnesota across the year, which is 10.6% of the annual total.
Is September a good time to see bears in Minnesota?+
September is the 5th busiest month. It is workable, though June and May is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for bears in Minnesota?+
June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, May and July, based on 1,241 verified observations.
Which bears are you most likely to see in Minnesota?+
The most-recorded species in Minnesota are American Black Bear, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See bears in Minnesota in other months
More places to see bears
More wildlife in Minnesota