Alabama investigators say a man kept a caged “attack squirrel” in his apartment and fed it methamphetamine to ensure it stayed aggressive.

The News Courier reported authorities are seeking 35-year-old Mickey Paulk over multiple charges, including possession of a controlled substance.

Law enforcement was warned of the animal prior to executing a search warrant of the Athens home on Monday.

It is illegal in Alabama to have a pet squirrel. Officials from the state’s Department of Conservation recommended releasing the animal, which deputies did successfully.

A spokesman for the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office says there was no safe way to test the squirrel for meth.