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 Kansas, the possession of dangerous wild animals is regulated by the Kansas Dangerous Regulated Animals Act. This act requires owners of specific dangerous regulated animals to obtain a permit, adhere to housing and care standards, and maintain liability insurance or surety bonds. The list of regulated animals includes, but is not limited to, large cats, bears, and non-native venomous snakes. Regarding liability for injuries caused by wild animals, Kansas follows the common law doctrine of ferae naturae, which means that landowners are generally not liable for injuries caused by wild animals native to the region unless the landowner has captured or controls the animal, or has introduced a non-native species that causes harm. This principle is based on the idea that wild animals are unowned and that their unpredictable behavior is a natural condition of the land that does not typically impose a duty of care on the landowner.