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 West Virginia, the regulation of possession of dangerous wild animals is governed by state statutes that require permits for ownership and set conditions for their care and confinement. The West Virginia Dangerous Wild Animals Act lists specific animals that are considered dangerous and therefore subject to regulation. Regarding liability for injuries caused by wild animals, West Virginia follows the common law doctrine of ferae naturae, which holds that landowners are generally not liable for injuries caused by wild, indigenous 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 means that in most cases, a person injured by a wild animal on another's property in West Virginia would not be able to hold the landowner liable unless one of these exceptions applies.