BREMERTON, Wash. -- Fish and Wildlife Department officials said that two of three bears that have been wandering through a residential area of Bremerton this week were captured.

Sgt. Ted Jackson told The Kitsap Sun the two cubs were captured Thursday night in the West Hills neighborhood, but the mother remains on the loose.

The three bears have been seen near schools and homes. Officials are concerned that an encounter with people could be dangerous.

The cubs were relocated, but their mother is still hiding somewhere in Bremerton's west side.

Wildlife officers said the bears have been frequenting a wooded area near homes looking for trash to eat.

The Saling family, who lives in the area, saw the mother bear as she hovered near the traps after her cubs were caught.

If caught, wildlife officials hope to release the mother bear at the same place where the cubs were left in Mason County.

Residents are urged to remove sources of food by taking down bird feeders and moving pet food and garbage cans indoors.