Sun Nov 03 00:06:04 UTC 2024: ## Instagram-Famous Squirrel Euthanized After Seizure by New York Officials
**Pine County, New York** – Peanut, the Instagram-famous squirrel with over 500,000 followers, has been euthanized by New York state officials after being seized from his owner’s home on Wednesday.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) took Peanut, along with a raccoon named Fred, after receiving reports that the animals were living in a residence with humans, raising concerns about potential rabies exposure. Both animals were subsequently euthanized to test for rabies.
The DEC stated that one of the officials involved in the investigation was bitten by Peanut. The agency is urging anyone who may have come into contact with the animals to contact their doctor.
Peanut had been living with his owner, Mark Longo, for seven years after Longo found him injured as a baby. Despite multiple attempts to release Peanut back into the wild, he always returned to Longo’s home. Peanut’s online presence brought joy to thousands, with videos showcasing his antics and bond with Longo.
Longo, heartbroken over the loss of his beloved pet, expressed his grief on Peanut’s Instagram account, urging followers to support the animal sanctuary he and his wife founded in Peanut’s name. The sanctuary currently houses over 350 rescued animals and relies heavily on donations.
The seizure and euthanasia of Peanut sparked outrage online, with many expressing anger and sadness over the animal’s fate. Longo, in a plea to his followers, blamed anonymous complaints for Peanut’s removal and urged them to donate to the sanctuary to keep his legacy alive.
The DEC, however, maintains that the seizure and euthanasia were necessary to protect public health due to the potential for rabies exposure. The agency emphasizes that keeping wild animals as pets is illegal and poses risks to both humans and the animals themselves.
First Piper 