Under what condition can a landowner be held liable for wild animals injuring a trespasser?

A landowner can be held liable for injuries caused by wild animals to a trespasser if the landowner was negligent in controlling the animal. In general, landowners are not usually held liable for injuries inflicted by wild animals, particularly when the injured party is a trespasser. However, exceptions do exist, especially when negligence is involved.

If the landowner has knowledge of an animal's dangerous propensities and does not take appropriate measures to prevent harm — such as failing to secure an enclosure or warning others — the landowner may be found negligent. This negligence is particularly relevant in the case of wild animals, given that they are inherently unpredictable and pose a risk to those who trespass on the property. Therefore, the landowner's failure to control the animal or to take precautions directly correlates to the liability for any resulting injuries inflicted upon a trespasser.

In this context, focusing on the condition of negligence is essential because it indicates a breach of the duty of care owed to the trespasser, which could lead to liability for the landowner.