Who owns any wildlife found on a landowner's property?

Wildlife found on a landowner's property is generally owned by the landowner according to property laws in many jurisdictions. This principle recognizes that landowners have the rights to the natural resources present on their land. It acknowledges the landowner's investment in their property and the management of wildlife within those boundaries.

However, while the landowner holds ownership, there are commonly regulations in place that may govern how that wildlife can be interacted with, especially for species that may be endangered or protected. Laws often require landowners to adhere to state or federal wildlife management regulations, which aim to conserve species and their habitats.

The idea that the public might have a claim to wildlife can stem from notions around public trust or wildlife conservation laws, but these typically apply only for regulated activities such as hunting, fishing, or conservation efforts under state jurisdiction rather than ownership. Thus, while the landowner retains ownership of wildlife present on their land, they still must operate within frameworks designed to protect wildlife populations overall.