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 Utah, the possession of dangerous wild animals is regulated by the Utah Code, which requires individuals to obtain permits for the possession of certain species deemed to be dangerous. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources oversees the regulation of wildlife and the enforcement of laws related to the possession of wild animals. Regarding liability for injuries caused by wild animals, Utah 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 the landowner has taken possession or control of the animal, or has introduced a non-indigenous species that causes harm. This principle is consistent with the broader legal understanding that wild animals are owned by the public at large and not by any individual. 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 certain circumstances.