Bavaria's controversial wolf regulation, aimed at facilitating quick culling of problematic wolves, has been declared likely illegal by the Bavarian Administrative Court.

The court's decision, made on the same day as the hearing, cited the state government's failure to consult recognized nature conservation associations before enacting the regulation.

This formal error rendered the regulation invalid, without addressing the strict protection status of wolves.

The regulation, introduced in April 2023, allowed for the shooting of wolves that approached populated areas or killed livestock on alpine pastures.

While environmental groups celebrate the ruling, Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder has announced plans to introduce new regulations for swift wolf culling.