HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Officials say a West Virginia man had been keeping two deer in captivity at his home for at least a year.

Multiple media outlets report that Officer Joshua Addesa with the state Division of Natural Resources says authorities discovered the two white-tailed bucks when they visited the Cabell County man's home on July 4 after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen.

Addesa declined to identify the man because of an ongoing investigation.

Addesa says the two deer had a healthy supply of hay available to them inside the home. Addesa says officers set the deer free but because the animals were domesticated, they may be considered for relocation.

In West Virginia, illegal possession of wildlife is a misdemeanor offense.