Latin for "nature animals", ferae naturae is a legal term that means any animals that are not designated domesticated animals by law. In property law, ferae naturae residing on unowned real property are not predisposed to one party or another in regards to possession.
See: Pierson v. Post (3 Cai. R. 175, 2 Am. Dec. 264) (Supreme Court of New York 1805)
In the event that the animals are on a private entity's estate, the owner of the estate, if pursuing or attempting to apprehend ferae naturae is likely to be deemed, by the court, the rightful possessor to the title of the animal.
See: Keeble v Hickeringill, 11 East 574, 103 Eng. Rep. 1127 OR 3 Salk. 9 (as Keeble v Hickeringhall) Queen's Bench, 1707
Read more about this topic: Unowned Property