Pronunciation: [ɡɹˈɪzli bˈe͡ə] (IPA) 
The word "grizzly bear" is spelled with a double "z" and "ly" at the end. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈɡrɪzli bɛr/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a "z" sound. The second syllable starts with an "l" sound and ends with a long "e" sound. The final syllable has a short "e" sound followed by an "r" sound. The spelling of this word accurately represents its pronunciation.
A grizzly bear, scientifically known as Ursus arctos horribilis, is a large and formidable mammal belonging to the family Ursidae. This iconic species is primarily found in North America, inhabiting diverse ecosystems like forests, mountains, and tundra regions. It is distinguished by its immense size, hump on its shoulders, and distinctive silver-tipped, grizzled fur, which is responsible for its name. A mature grizzly bear can weigh up to 600 to 1,500 pounds (270 to 680 kilograms) and measure about 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) in length, making it one of the largest land predators on Earth.
Grizzly bears are renowned for their strength, intelligence, and agility. They possess sharp claws and powerful jaws, allowing them to efficiently hunt various prey, such as fish, rodents, and larger mammals. Unlike other bear species, they also exhibit an omnivorous behavior, consuming vegetation, berries, and nuts, especially during the summer months when food is abundant.
Despite their imposing stature, grizzly bears are known for their generally docile nature and prefer to avoid human interactions. However, when provoked or threatened, they can display aggressive behavior, making them a potentially dangerous animal. Due to habitat loss, hunting, and conflicts with human activities, grizzly bears are currently considered a threatened species and are protected under various conservation measures to ensure their survival and the preservation of their vital role in the ecosystem.
The word grizzly as it pertains to the bear is derived from the Old French word gris which means gray. This term refers to the grizzled or grayish appearance of the bear's fur. The combination of gris and bear led to the term grizzly bear.
