Why is one wolf a "rock star," and another simply a wolf?

A decision by Montana wildlife officials to temporarily ban wolf hunting near Yellowstone National Park has been applauded by the National Parks Conservation Association, which also urged the state to adopt permanent buffer zones adjacent to the park.

Millions of Yellowstone visitors have browsed the Old Faithful Lower Hamilton Store, or enjoyed views of Geyser Hill from its famous knotty pine porch. The vast majority, though, have never heard about a special enclave inside called the Million Dollar Room.

Few recent national park wildlife management issues have been more contentious than those involving bison and brucellosis concerns by ranchers near Yellowstone National Park. Now those same concerns have prompted new proposals by Montana officials for managing elk populations in the Greater Yellowstone Area, with options including reducing numbers of both elk and wolves.