A spate of grizzly bear activity in a Canmore neighbourhood has wildlife officials warning residents to bear-proof their homes.

Grizzly bears have been spotted mere metres from houses, eating buffalo berries, dogwood and other food in yards adjacent to the Peaks of Grassi community, a wildlife corridor.

Some berry-laden bushes -- prime bear food -- are growing directly behind and in between homes in the neighbourhood.

While no dangerous encounters have been reported, wildlife officials are concerned there is a high risk, given the number of off-leash dogs, solitary cyclists and joggers.

Fish and Wildlife officers were cutting buffalo berries near homes earlier in the week, and are going door-to-door to ask residents to remove the berries from their properties. If attractants are removed, it is hoped the bears will move away.

Officers have attempted to dart the bears and have also placed a live trap. Wildlife managers want to get an ear tag on one of the bruins to monitor its movement.

"We'd like to collar it so we can make sure we know where it is," said Fish and Wildlife officer Ron Wiebe, who estimates there are about three grizzlies in the area, as well as several black bears. Only one, Bear 110, has a radio ear tag.

Wiebe said officers originally targeted a sub-adult grizzly spotted near the houses; however, a sow and her cub have also been spotted.

Just because a bear has a radio tag doesn't mean it's likely to be moved, Wiebe said.

Officers don't want to move the bears, but need to monitor their behaviour. If a bear gets too close to homes, it can be hazed away from potential conflict.

Large groups of Fish and Wildlife officers and conservation officers have patrolled the neighbourhood since early last week, armed with tranquillizer dart guns and shotguns, for protection. Their bear traps have yet to catch anything.

As many as three Karelian bear dogs have been used to track the animals. They also act as sentinels while officers set up the trap. However, due to the abundance of food -- mostly berries -- the baited trap has not worked.

One of the bears was shot with a tranquillizer dart, but to no effect.

"We have no idea why it didn't work," Wiebe said.

Occasionally, when bears are feeding on berries, they require more drugs to knock them out, Wiebe said.

The public is being told to be bear aware. "We're urging people to . . . keep their dogs on leash and carry bear spray," Wiebe said.

Wildsmart education co-ordinator Kim Titchener is urging residents to call in all grizzly sightings.

"We're really concerned we're hearing bear sightings that aren't being reported," Titchener said. "It's important to call in sightings for the safety of the animal and the community."

Some people are coming dangerously close to bears in the area, Titchener said.

Wildlife officials build personality profiles for each bear, with information about how they respond to people, bear dogs and other deterrents.