Fri Nov 08 03:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Beloved Instagram Squirrel “P’Nut” Euthanized by New York Officials After Bite Incident
**Pine City, NY:** A beloved pet squirrel named P’Nut, who gained internet fame with over half a million Instagram followers, was euthanized by New York State officials on Wednesday after biting someone involved in an investigation. The decision came after authorities seized P’Nut and a raccoon from the same home in Pine City.
P’Nut’s owner, Mark Longo, 34, rescued the squirrel seven years ago in New York City. He found the young squirrel orphaned after its mother was killed by a car, and P’Nut quickly became a beloved companion. P’Nut’s Instagram page chronicled his adventures and amassed a large following, making him a local celebrity.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) stated that both P’Nut and the raccoon were euthanized to test for rabies, a standard procedure after a bite incident.
Longo expressed his heartbreak over the loss of his pet, stating in an email, “To the people who filed complaints, thank you for taking away the best part of me, thank you for taking away my best friend.”
The incident highlights the ongoing conflict between pet ownership and wildlife regulations in New York State, where possessing wild animals is generally prohibited. The DEC emphasizes the importance of public safety and the need to prevent the spread of rabies through such measures.
First Piper 