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 Ohio, the possession of dangerous wild animals is regulated by the Ohio Dangerous Wild Animal Act, which was enacted in response to an incident in Zanesville in 2011 where dozens of exotic animals were released by their owner. Under this law, individuals are prohibited from acquiring, selling, or transferring ownership of dangerous wild animals, which include big cats, bears, primates, and certain reptiles, among others, without a permit. The law also sets standards for the care and housing of such animals by those who are permitted to keep them. Regarding liability for injuries caused by wild animals, Ohio follows the common law doctrine of ferae naturae, which means that a landowner is generally not liable for injuries caused by wild animals native to the region unless the landowner has taken possession or control of the animal, or has introduced a non-native species that causes harm. This principle is subject to exceptions, such as if the landowner has been negligent in a way that contributes to the harm caused by the wild animal.