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 Iowa, the possession of dangerous wild animals is regulated by state statutes. The Iowa Code Chapter 717F, known as the 'Dangerous Wild Animals' chapter, specifically addresses the ownership and possession of such animals. It requires owners to obtain a permit and adhere to state regulations regarding the care, confinement, and control of these animals to ensure public safety and animal welfare. Regarding liability for injuries caused by wild animals on a landowner's property, Iowa follows the common law doctrine of ferae naturae. Under this doctrine, a landowner in Iowa is generally not liable for injuries caused by wild, indigenous animals on their property unless the landowner has either taken possession or control of the animal or introduced a non-native species that causes harm. This reflects the principle that wild animals are unowned and the responsibility for incidents involving them does not typically fall on landowners unless there is some level of possession or introduction of non-indigenous animals.