Ferae Naturae Law and Legal Definition
Ferae naturae is a Latin word which means, of a wild nature. Animal ferae naturae are not subject of absolute ownership. A qualified property in such animals might be acquired by taking or taming them or while they are on one's estate. If such animal is either killed or caught in a trap so that the capture is certain, the individual who traps or mortally wounds it acquires a vested right to possession. The owner of land has a qualified property in animals ferae naturae when, in consequence of their inability and youth, they cannot go away. In common law, the owner of an animal ferae naturae is strictly liable for damages caused by the animal.
