Wed Nov 06 13:05:24 UTC 2024: ## Squirrel Social Media Star Euthanized by New York State, Sparking Outrage and Fundraiser

**Pine City, NY** – Mark Longo, owner of Peanut the Squirrel, a social media star with over 692,000 Instagram followers, is calling the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s decision to seize and euthanize the squirrel a “disgrace”. Peanut was euthanized on November 1st to test for rabies after a person involved in the confiscation investigation was bitten by the squirrel.

Longo claims that the seizure and euthanasia of Peanut, who he had cared for seven years, was an overreaction. He also expressed frustration over the state’s allocation of resources, arguing that they could kill a raccoon and squirrel but struggle to fix local bridges.

The DEC seized Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from Longo’s home following reports from the public concerning the potential danger of keeping wild animals as pets and the possibility of rabies.

In response to the events, a GoFundMe campaign was created, initially to help fund legal fees to get Peanut back home. After Peanut’s death, the goal shifted to honor his memory by supporting P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit founded by Longo to help neglected animals. The fundraiser has raised over $160,000 as of Monday morning.

While rabies is a rare disease in squirrels, the CDC advises euthanasia for rabies testing, as ante-mortem testing is not available.

Longo has shared interviews, tributes, and old videos of Peanut on his Instagram account, emphasizing the animal’s positive impact on his life and the community. He founded P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary with the support gained from Peanut’s social media presence, rescuing over 300 animals.

The DEC stresses that keeping young wildlife as pets is illegal, as it often leads to abnormal human attachments and difficulties in returning the animal to the wild. They encourage individuals to contact licensed wildlife rehabilitators for assistance with injured or orphaned animals.

The results of Peanut’s rabies test have not been released. The DEC and Chemung County Department of Health have been contacted for comment.

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