Sat Nov 02 21:45:48 UTC 2024: ## Internet-Famous Squirrel Euthanized After Biting Government Staffer
New York authorities have euthanized Peanut, a black squirrel with over 500,000 Instagram followers, after the animal bit a government staffer during a wildlife investigation. Peanut’s owner, Mark Longo, who rescued the squirrel after witnessing its mother’s death, expressed outrage and blamed the internet for the animal’s fate.
Longo, who had raised Peanut for seven years, claimed that the squirrel was “his best friend” and became a beloved internet sensation for its antics, which included eating waffles and sporting miniature costumes. However, authorities from the Chemung County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) asserted that Peanut, along with a raccoon living with Longo, were illegally possessed.
The DEC stated that the animals were euthanized to test for rabies after a DEC staffer was bitten by Peanut during a seizure operation on October 30. The department urged anyone who may have come into contact with the animals to consult a doctor.
Longo, who has launched a fundraising campaign for legal fees and an animal sanctuary, blames the public’s “selfishness” for Peanut’s death, alleging that online calls to the DEC led to the animal’s removal from his care. He vows to continue his fight for animal rights, calling the euthanasia a “tragedy” and a loss of “one of the most amazing animals”.
First Piper 