PINE CITY, N.Y. — An orphaned squirrel turned social media star named Peanut was euthanized after state authorities seized the beloved pet during a raid on its caretaker’s home, authorities said Friday.
After anonymous complaints, agents from the state Department of Environmental Conservation grabbed the squirrel and a raccoon named Fred from Mark Longo’s home near the Pennsylvania border in rural Pine City, Longo said Wednesday.
On Friday, the DEC and the Chemung County Department of Health confirmed the fate of both animals.
“On October 30, DEC seized a raccoon and a squirrel sharing a home with humans, creating the potential for humans to be exposed to rabies. In addition, a person involved in the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,” the agencies said in a statement, CBS News in New York reported. “The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has come into contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their doctor.”
Neither agency responded to The Associated Press’ requests for comment.
Peanut amassed tens of thousands of followers on Instagram, TikTok and other platforms over the seven years since Longo, who runs an animal shelter, said he took him in after watching his mother get hit by a car in New York City.
Peanut’s Instagram account shows the squirrel jumping on Longo’s shoulder, jumping through a hoop, holding and eating waffles and wearing miniature hats.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news: on October 30, the DEC made the devastating decision to euthanize our beloved Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. Despite our passionate calls for compassion, the organization has chosen to ignore our pleas, leaving us deeply shocked and saddened,” said an Instagram post Friday, accompanied by a video montage of the animals interacting with their smiling caregivers.
Longo and his wife Daniela opened P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023. It now houses about 300 animals, including horses, goats and alpacas, Longo said. He said he was in the process of filing paperwork to have Peanut certified as an educational animal when he was seized.