Peanut the Squirrel, a beloved social media sensation known for his gentle nature and close bond with his owner, has been euthanized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) following a recent seizure.
The gray rescue squirrel, affectionately called “P’Nut” online, was put down along with Fred the raccoon so that both animals could be tested for rabies, as required by state policy.
Peanut’s caretaker, Mark Longo, took to Instagram to mourn his cherished pet, sharing an emotional video in tribute. Accompanied by his girlfriend, Longo tearfully expressed, “Peanut was the best thing that ever happened to us.”
In the heartfelt post, he added, “RIP MY BEST FRIEND. Thank you for the best 7 years of my life. Thank you for bringing so much joy to us and the world.
I’m sorry I failed you, but thank you for everything.” Longo also requested financial assistance from followers for a potential legal battle and to support his animal sanctuary, P’Nut’s Freedom Farm.
The DEC justified its actions in a statement obtained by WETM, explaining that Peanut had reportedly bitten one of the investigators handling his confiscation.
“A person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,” the DEC noted. They further advised anyone who had been in contact with the animals to consult their physician as a precaution.
Peanut’s story began seven years ago when Longo found the orphaned squirrel in Connecticut after witnessing its mother struck by a car.
The young squirrel’s resilience inspired Longo, and their bond led him to create “P’Nut’s Freedom Farm,” a sanctuary in upstate New York dedicated to animal rescue.
Over the years, Peanut became a beloved figure on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, where followers enjoyed videos showcasing his playful antics and unique friendship with Longo.
The recent confiscation of Peanut and Fred the raccoon came in response to anonymous complaints about wild animals living in Longo’s Elmira home.
Following the seizure, Longo expressed his grief and anger on social media, writing, “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness.”
He addressed his words to those who had reported him to the authorities, stating, “To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you.”
In response, the DEC clarified its actions were driven by concerns over rabies, particularly with respect to Fred the raccoon. Raccoons are considered a high-risk vector species for rabies transmission, making strict enforcement necessary under New York State’s public health guidelines.
For Longo, Peanut’s passing is an immeasurable loss. The sanctuary founder now faces the dual challenge of grappling with his grief while also dealing with potential legal repercussions.
His followers have rallied to support him, many expressing outrage over the decision to euthanize Peanut and pledging donations to assist with Longo’s efforts to continue the work of P’Nut’s Freedom Farm.
The legacy of Peanut the Squirrel remains as a testament to the joy and companionship that can arise from the unlikely friendships between humans and animals, a bond that thousands of fans around the world came to admire and celebrate.