NY Authorities Euthanize Instagram Star Squirrel Peanut, with 500,000 Followers, After Raiding Owner's Home

Nov 2, 2024, 01:45 AM

New York state authorities have euthanized Peanut, an Instagram-famous squirrel with over 500,000 followers known for his large hat collection, after seizing the animal from his owner, 34-year-old Mark Longo, during a five-hour raid on his Pine City home. Longo, who rescued Peanut seven years ago after the squirrel's mother was hit by a car in New York City, had transformed his home into an animal sanctuary. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) conducted the raid with at least six officers following multiple anonymous complaints about the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets and concerns over unsafe housing conditions. During the seizure, a DEC staff member was reportedly bitten by Peanut, leading authorities to euthanize the squirrel and a raccoon named Fred, also seized from Longo, to test for rabies. Longo has criticized the DEC's actions, stating he was treated like a drug dealer and expressing his devastation over the loss of his beloved pets. The incident has sparked public outrage, with tens of thousands of supporters rallying online, signing petitions, and raising donations to demand justice for Peanut.