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 New Mexico, the regulation of possession of dangerous wild animals is governed by state statutes that require permits for ownership of such animals. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish oversees the enforcement of these regulations, which include the New Mexico Wildlife Conservation Act. This act outlines the rules for importation, possession, and transportation of wildlife. As for liability of landowners for injuries caused by wild animals, New Mexico follows the common law doctrine of ferae naturae, which means that landowners are generally not liable for injuries caused by indigenous wild animals on their property unless they have taken possession or control of the animals, or have introduced non-indigenous species that cause harm. This principle is based on the idea that wild animals are unowned and a natural risk present in their habitat. However, if a landowner's actions, such as maintaining artificial conditions that attract wild animals, lead to an injury, the landowner could potentially be held liable under certain circumstances.