While hiking in a national park, Gustavo found an injured wolf. He took the wolf home and nursed it back to health over the course of six months. Gustavo found the wolf to be "man's best friend," with a calm and receptive demeanor; however, one day while visiting Gustavo, Felicia was severely injured when it attacked her. If Felicia sues Gustavo for her injuries, what is the most likely outcome of the case?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gustavo is likely to be liable to Felicia for a strict liability tort, since he kept a non-domesticated animal at his home. Even though Gustavo nursed the wolf back to health, it remains a wild animal and is not considered domesticated. As such, Gustavo is strictly liable for any harm caused by the wolf, regardless of whether he knew the wolf was dangerous or took steps to control it. The fact that Gustavo found the wolf injured in a national park has no bearing on his liability for the wolf's actions.

While Hiking in a National Park, Gustavo Found an Injured