Best Time to See Bears in Vermont
May, June and July is the best time to see bears in Vermont. Based on 2,056 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bears are most active across the year in Vermont.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
2,056 verified observations of bears in Vermont, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bears are recorded in Vermont
Peak month
May
378 records (18.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22 | 1.1% |
| February | 27 | 1.3% |
| March | 62 | 3% |
| April | 217 | 10.6% |
| Maypeak | 378 | 18.4% |
| Junepeak | 338 | 16.4% |
| Julypeak | 270 | 13.1% |
| August | 245 | 11.9% |
| September | 185 | 9% |
| October | 137 | 6.7% |
| November | 109 | 5.3% |
| December | 66 | 3.2% |
Bears you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Black Bear | 2,056 |
Sightings of bears in Vermont peak in May, when 378 of the year's 2,056 verified observations are logged — about 18.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and July.
The quietest stretch is January and February, when bears are hardest to find — January sees just 22 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 Vermont 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 Vermont
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
Tours and experiences nearby
Viator
Book a bear tour in Vermont
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 Vermont.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bears in Vermont?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and July, based on 2,056 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bears hardest to see in Vermont?+
January is the quietest month for bears in Vermont, with only 22 verified records.
Are bears active year-round in Vermont?+
Bears are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Vermont, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see bears
More wildlife in Vermont