Social media star squirrel euthanized after being seized in New York

PINE CITY, N.Y. –

A beloved squirrel named Peanut, who had gained social media fame, was sadly euthanized after state authorities removed him from his caretaker’s home during a recent raid, officials confirmed on Friday.

Following anonymous complaints, officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation intervened and took Peanut, along with a raccoon named Fred, from Mark Longo’s residence near the Pennsylvania border in rural Pine City earlier this week, according to Longo.

The DEC and Chemung County Department of Health have since announced the fate of both animals.

“On Oct. 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel that were living in close proximity to humans, posing a risk of rabies exposure. Furthermore, a person involved in the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To assess the possibility of rabies transmission, both animals were euthanized,” stated the agencies, as reported by CBS News in New York. “Tests for rabies are being conducted on the animals, and individuals who had contact with them are advised to seek medical advice.”

Despite requests for comment, neither agency responded to inquiries from The Associated Press.

Peanut had garnered a substantial following on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok over the past seven years. Longo, who operates an animal sanctuary, took Peanut in after witnessing his mother’s tragic accident in New York City.

Peanut’s Instagram account features adorable videos of the squirrel leaping onto Longo’s shoulder, performing tricks, enjoying waffles, and sporting tiny hats.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the heartbreaking news: on October 30th, the DEC made the devastating decision to euthanize our cherished Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. Despite our impassioned pleas for mercy, the agency chose to disregard our appeals, leaving us in deep shock and sorrow,” a post on Instagram read, alongside a video montage of the animals interacting with their loving caretakers.

Longo and his wife, Daniela, founded P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023. The sanctuary is home to approximately 300 animals, including horses, goats, and alpacas. Longo revealed that he was in the process of obtaining certification for Peanut as an educational animal before the seizure occurred.