Best Time to See Bears in New Jersey
June, May and July is the best time to see bears in New Jersey. Based on 788 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bears are most active across the year in New Jersey.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
788 verified observations of bears in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bears are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
June
171 records (21.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7 | 0.9% |
| February | 14 | 1.8% |
| March | 30 | 3.8% |
| April | 60 | 7.6% |
| Maypeak | 126 | 16% |
| Junepeak | 171 | 21.7% |
| Julypeak | 95 | 12.1% |
| August | 87 | 11% |
| September | 68 | 8.6% |
| October | 63 | 8% |
| November | 48 | 6.1% |
| December | 19 | 2.4% |
Bears you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Black Bear | 788 |
Sightings of bears in New Jersey peak in June, when 171 of the year's 788 verified observations are logged — about 21.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, May and July.
The quietest stretch is January, when bears are hardest to find — January sees just 7 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Great Egg Harbor River
- Morristown National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument — Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument
- Gateway National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bear viewing in New Jersey.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bears in New Jersey?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, May and July, based on 788 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bears hardest to see in New Jersey?+
January is the quietest month for bears in New Jersey, with only 7 verified records.
Are bears active year-round in New Jersey?+
Bears are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see bears