But this summer, visitors say encounters and tensions with wild animals are on the rise. Many people see the presence of animals like elk mixing ways not seen before, and they’re not sure why. Get daily National news Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories. Todd Smith with the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation says even though elk may seem comfortable around people, they’re still unpredictable, wild animals. “A lot of the habitat was reduced, so we get some higher concentrations, be it bears, elk or other wildlife, within the remaining habitat,” Smith said.