Bears in October?

[NC3]

Hi,

I'm headed to Shenandoah in early October and (unlike many folks, I imagine) and am hoping to see some Black Bears. Just wondering where people tend to see them in the Fall. I plan to do some good day-hikes, but am not averse to taking a stand-and-wait approach if there are likely spots to stake out.

Thanks!

[Train Wreck]

If it's bears you want, think about going to New Jersey and hiking the AT there. It would be more unusual not to spot a bear at some point during your hike.

[NC3]

Appreciate that---though Shenandoah it is. The bear-sighting would be an added bonus, not the main attraction

[Rebel]

Be surprised if you don't see bears in SNP. When I went through there I saw 5. I'm not sure you can pick an exact spot....just start walking.

[Deer Hunter]

I saw 14 two years ago when I hiked through SNP. There really isn't one particular place to see them. Like Rebel said, just start walking and try not to make noise.

[NC3]

That's the plan, then---thank you. Guess I was just wondering if October is still a likely time to see bears, and whether certain areas/trails are more likely than others to attract them because of the presence of pre-hibernation food sources. But it sounds like it's just hit-or-miss, huh. I will plan to cover some ground!

[canoe]

Just got back from 10 days in the SNP. Saw 8 mostly in the central section but saw some in all 3 sections. Just walk. you will see em.

[Deer Hunter]

"whether certain areas/trails are more likely than others to attract them because of the presence of pre-hibernation food sources."

Acorns, but in my experience they are either everywhere or spotty and concentrated. Can't really say how it will be this fall or where to find them. Maybe call the park before you go. They may be able to tell you then.

[NC3]

Thank you, guys---this has been helpful (even if it's not the "easy" answer . The more responses the merrier, but it's seeming like the consensus is "walk."

[68fish]

I have heard the best time to see the most wild life is to be on the trail early in the morning or late afternoon/evening. It worked for me in SNP in July, saw four around 730 pm.