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 Indiana, the possession of dangerous wild animals is regulated by state statutes, which require permits for owning such animals and impose conditions for their care and confinement. Indiana Code Title 15, Article 17, Chapter 17 outlines regulations for possessing wild animals and establishes the Wild Animal Possession Permit. Additionally, liability of landowners for injuries caused by wild animals on their property in Indiana is influenced by the common law doctrine of ferae naturae. Under this doctrine, landowners are generally not liable for injuries caused by wild animals native to the area unless the landowner has taken possession or control of the animal, or has introduced a non-native species that causes harm. However, if a landowner's actions, such as maintaining artificial conditions that attract wild animals, lead to an injury, the landowner may be held liable under negligence or other relevant legal theories.