Wildcat (wildcatting)

Wildcatting, or wildcat drilling, refers to the practice of exploring for oil or gas in areas not officially approved or known for resource deposits. Companies or individuals drill exploratory wells in remote or unconventional locations to discover new petroleum reserves beyond established fields. This process often involves higher risks and costs because the likelihood of success is uncertain. Wildcatting has historically played a key role in expanding oil and gas production, especially in frontier regions, by identifying previously unknown sources of energy wealth.