Bears in Vermont in August
Yes, August is a good month to see bears in Vermont. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 245 of the 2,056 sightings logged across the year (11.9%), 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 Vermont
11.9%
of yearly sightings
245
records in August
#4
busiest month of 12
2,056
verified records a year
July 13.1%, August 11.9%, September 9%. Busiest month is May at 18.4%.
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 |
In Vermont, August carries 11.9% of the year's bears sightings, about 3.6 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from July (13.1%) into August, and it heads toward September (9%) after. The busiest month is May (18.4%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The bears most often recorded in Vermont are American Black Bear. Those counts are annual totals rather than a August split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in August itself.
Which bears you are most likely to see
- American Black Bear2,056 records
Plan your bear trip in Vermont
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.
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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 Vermont.
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Broader backupBook a bear tour in Vermont
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 Vermont in August?+
Yes. August accounts for 245 of the 2,056 verified bears sightings logged in Vermont across the year, which is 11.9% of the annual total.
Is August a good time to see bears in Vermont?+
August is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though May and June is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for bears in Vermont?+
May is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through May, June and July, based on 2,056 verified observations.
Which bears are you most likely to see in Vermont?+
The most-recorded species in Vermont are American Black Bear, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See bears in Vermont in other months
More places to see bears
More wildlife in Vermont