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 California, the possession of dangerous wild animals is regulated by various state statutes and regulations. California has some of the strictest laws in the U.S. regarding exotic pet ownership. Under the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 671, it is unlawful to import, transport, or possess certain animals without a permit. This includes many species that are considered to be dangerous wild animals, such as tigers, lions, bears, primates, and certain reptiles. Additionally, California's strict liability statute for dog bites (California Civil Code Section 3342) may reflect the state's approach to liability for injuries caused by animals, although this statute specifically addresses domestic animals. Regarding liability for injuries caused by wild animals on a landowner's property, California generally follows the common law doctrine of ferae naturae, which means that a landowner is not liable for injuries caused by wild animals native to the region unless the landowner has done something to attract or maintain the animals on the property, or has introduced a non-native species that causes harm. However, each case can be fact-specific, and exceptions may apply, so consulting with an attorney for particular situations is advisable.