Poppy Bilderbeck
A man is now facing further charges after he allegedly tried to feed meth to a squirrel in a bid to make it more aggressive.
Mickey Joel Paulk, from Alabama, was arrested in June 2019 for possession of a wild animal, stolen property and possession of a weapon by a felon.
However, the 39-year-old is now expected to face further charges, and his trial, which was originally set to commence on Monday, January 24, has subsequently been delayed.
In 2019, the caged squirrel - who was named 'Deeznuts' - was discovered alongside methamphetamine, ammunition and body armour at the 39-year-old's house during a home raid, AL.com reports.
According to deputies of Limestone County, Paulk had been feeding the animal meth to keep it belligerent.
Advert
However, Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely explained there was 'no safe way to test the squirrel for meth' and so it was simply released back into the wild.
Paulk was not present during the home raid and instead, a man named Ronnie Reynolds was arrested.
Reynolds was later charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and loitering a known drug house, according to WBRC.
Advert
A manhunt was later carried out to find Paulk.
It began on June 18, 2019 and ended when the 39-year-old was apprehended on a stolen motorcycle, after he 'rammed an investigator vehicle' amid 'a brief pursuit' which took place after he fled 'America's Best Value Inn in Killen, AL'.
At the time of Paulk's arrest, 'Deeznuts' gained widespread media attention and traction online, becoming the subject of many memes and reportedly even triggering calls for a change to the state's motto.
Advert
Furthermore, a Twitter account was created in honour of the squirrel called 'Alabama Meth Attack Squirrel'.
'They took my meth and threw me in Limestone County Woods,' the biography on the account reads.
Paulk's court date has since been rescheduled to February 28.
Advert
While he has denied feeding the squirrel meth, Paulk also faces a string of other drug offences from an arrest which took place on December 23.
The charges relate to both drugs and weapons, as well as the chemical endangerment of a child and the trafficking of methamphetamine.
Moreover, in an updated post to Twitter, Limestone Sheriff also noted charges relating to 'attempt to elude, criminal mischief, and felon in possession of a pistol (he had a .45 in his waistband)'.
If you see an animal in distress and/or in need of help, contact the RSPCA's 24-hour animal cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 or visit its website for further advice
Advert
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or email 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week