Most states have specific laws governing the possession of dangerous wild animals, and the liability of landowners for injuries caused by wild animals on their property. Ferae naturae is a common law doctrine (created by judges in court opinions) meaning "animals of a wild nature or disposition," and traces its origins back to the Roman empire. Under the doctrine of ferae naturae, wild animals are presumed to be owned by no one specifically, but by the people generally.

In many states the rule of law has developed that a landowner cannot be held liable for the acts of indigenous wild animals occurring on his or her property unless the landowner has actually reduced the wild animals to possession or control, or introduced a non-indigenous animal into the area.

In Arkansas, the possession of certain dangerous wild animals is regulated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) and the Arkansas Department of Health. The state has specific statutes that prohibit the possession of large carnivores, such as lions, tigers, and bears, as private pets. These regulations are in place to ensure public safety and animal welfare. Regarding the liability of landowners for injuries caused by wild animals, Arkansas follows the common law doctrine of ferae naturae, which means that landowners are generally not liable for the actions of wild animals native to the region unless they have taken possession or control of the animal, or have introduced a non-native species that causes harm. This doctrine is based on the principle that wild animals are unowned and are considered the property of the public at large until they are captured or killed. Therefore, in Arkansas, a landowner's liability for injuries caused by indigenous wild animals on their property is limited, reflecting the traditional rule under the doctrine of ferae naturae.