Instagram-Famous Squirrel Peanut Seized and Euthanized by NY Authorities to Test for Rabies

Nov 1, 2024, 03:01 PM

Peanut, an Instagram-famous squirrel with over 500,000 followers, was seized by New York state authorities from the home of Mark Longo in Pine City, New York. The seizure followed multiple anonymous complaints about unsafe housing conditions for wildlife. The raid, conducted by at least six officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on Wednesday, also resulted in the confiscation of a raccoon named Fred. Longo, who rescued Peanut seven years ago after the squirrel was orphaned, has been pleading with authorities for the return of his pet. However, it was later confirmed that Peanut and Fred were euthanized to test for rabies. The incident has sparked significant public outcry, including an online petition to bring Peanut back home.