Viral Pet Peanut The Squirrel Euthanized After Seizure By NY State Authorities

Peanut the Squirrel and Fred the raccoon were euthanized after being taken from their home.

A well-known squirrel was removed from his home and euthanized after authorities stated that it had bitten an official.Peanut the Squirrel may sound familiar, not just because he looks like any ordinary wild squirrel, but because he has likely appeared on your social media feed at some point.

Peanut the Squirrel was taken from its home and euthanized earlier this weekpeanut_the_squirrel12/Instagram

Peanut became famous about seven years ago, thanks to his owners who dressed him in adorable outfits, like a little cowboy costume, and taught him tricks. This gained him nationwide attention and a dedicated following.Sadly, Peanut’s journey came to a tragic end when the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized him, along with ‘Fred the raccoon’, and euthanized them both on Wednesday (October 30).

Sharing the heartbreaking news on Instagram, his owner Mark Longo wrote: “Well internet, you WON.”

“You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you.”“Today at 10am Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024… The NY State DEC showed up to my house and took Peanut. He was TAKEN to the EUTHANIZED. I’m in shock, disbelief, and disgusted to the people who did this to PNUT.”

“For the last 7 years, Peanut has been my best friend. He’s been the center of my world and many of yours for so long, I don’t know how to process this, emotionally.”

Mark Longo dressed in a squirrel onesie alongside his ‘best friend’ Peanutpeanut_the_squirrel12/Instagram

He went on to say: “Last year we moved to NY in hopes of starting a NONPROFIT animal rescue in PNUT’s Name. @pnuts_freedom_farm will forever live in PNUT’s memory.”“With over 350 rescues, we’ve relied heavily on PNUT and his internet family to gather donations to help more animals.”

“I don’t even know how will continue to fundraise for this nonprofit. I’ll be taking a break from social media for a bit. To the people who did this… THANK YOU for breaking apart a family and crushing any hopes of our nonprofit to survive.”

“I want to thank those who have stuck by up for the last 7 years to watch peanut and his antic. I will set up a fundraiser for those who want to donate in Peanut’s name. I’ll never give up on this nonprofit or those who fell in love with peanut. Thank you all. Mark Longo.”WETM reported that the DEC said Peanut bit an investigator’s hand while being taken from his home in Elmira.

In a statement, the DEC mentioned: “In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized.”