NY Authorities Euthanize Instagram-Famous Squirrel Peanut Seized from Owner Mark Longo

Nov 2, 2024, 10:10 AM

Peanut, an Instagram-famous squirrel with over 500,000 followers and a penchant for wearing hats, was seized from his owner's home in Pine City, New York, by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on Wednesday following multiple anonymous complaints about illegal wildlife possession and unsafe housing conditions. Mark Longo, 34, who had rescued Peanut seven years ago after the squirrel's mother was killed by a car, pleaded with authorities to return his beloved pet. The raid on Longo's home lasted five hours and involved at least six DEC officers. During the investigation, a staff member was bitten by Peanut, leading officials to euthanize the squirrel to test for rabies. A raccoon named Fred was also seized and euthanized. The seizure and euthanization of Peanut and Fred have sparked public outrage, an online petition, and donations in support of Longo and his animal sanctuary.