Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Story of Nova and Nita
People tend to fear what might happen if they were to cross paths with a grizzly bear. The truth is, now as then, the encounter is more likely to end badly for the bear than for the human. This truth hist especially close to home for the Zoo's two grizzly bears, Nova and Nita.
"They'd been along I don't know how long. They were hungry, hitting fruit trees in yards."
— Stacy Courville, Montana wildlife agent who oversaw rescue of Nova and Nita
In 2016, the sister bears were found wandering alone near a small town in northwestern Montana. Their mother was nowhere to be seen. The two cubs were rescued, and upon examination, it became clear that one had been shot. Weeks later, their mother was found, lethally wounded by gunshot.
Nova and Nita recovered fully but were orphaned too young to be returned to the wild. Fortunately, they have found a home at the Maryland Zoo, where they will remain together and receive the best of care. They are here on permanent loan from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Erected 2022 by The Maryland Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 2016.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Life in the Lower 48 (here, next to this marker); Grizzlies in Polar Bear Territory (a few steps from this marker); Vega's Story (within shouting distance of this marker); Back from the Brink (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Penguin Coast (within shouting distance of this marker); Saving Penguins (within shouting distance of this marker); Disaster at Sea (within shouting distance of this marker); Help from the Zoo (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 63 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
