Two weeks after the controversial euthanasia of Peanut the Squirrel, his owner, Mark Longo, is still searching for answers and justice. Peanut, a social media sensation, and Fred the raccoon were seized and euthanized by New York officials, sparking national outrage and leaving Longo grappling with grief and demanding accountability.
Handwritten cards, paintings, and small tokens depicting cheerful squirrels and raccoons now fill a bedroom in Mark Longo’s New York home. Just weeks prior, this room was the sanctuary of Peanut the Squirrel, a wild creature who became an internet star. Peanut was seized from Longo’s residence by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on October 30th and euthanized the same day for rabies testing. Fred, a raccoon also residing with Longo, suffered the same fate. This action ignited a national outcry as Longo mourned the loss of his beloved animal companions.
“Losing Peanut and Fred was a tragedy, and returning to this house feels incredibly difficult,” Longo shared with USA TODAY on Tuesday. “Our priority now is to seek justice for these animals and to advocate for animal rights in the future.”
As the case gains momentum, fuels public anger, and officials deflect responsibility, USA TODAY investigates the timeline of events and the latest developments surrounding the euthanasia of Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon.
The Timeline Leading to Peanut and Fred’s Seizure
Public Concerns Raised
Between October 19th and 23rd, the Chemung County Health Department and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation received four complaints regarding the Longos housing a raccoon and a squirrel without proper permits, according to a county press release.
The health department informed the conservation department that if a human had been exposed to either animal, such as through a bite, rabies testing would be necessary.
Prior to the conservation department’s visit to Longo’s Pine City, New York, home, Longo received two phone calls informing him that keeping the animals was not permissible without the required licenses. Longo has not specified who made these calls.
Seizure Operation
On October 30th, nine conservation officers arrived at the Longo residence and, according to Longo, spent approximately five hours “ransacking” the property. Longo stated that he and his wife were detained during the search, his wife’s immigration status was questioned, and the house was inspected for surveillance cameras. (Daniela, Longo’s wife, is originally from Germany.)
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has not responded to USA TODAY’s requests for details about the events that transpired at the Longo household.
Euthanasia Confirmed
The Chemung County Health Department was notified that the squirrel and raccoon seized from the Longos’ residence were euthanized on October 30th at Elmira Animal Control for rabies testing, as confirmed by the county.
The results of these rabies tests have not been publicly disclosed.
Unclear Orders: Who Requested Euthanasia?
The agency responsible for ordering the euthanasia of Peanut and Fred remains ambiguous.
Rabies reports obtained by USA TODAY from the Chemung County Executive indicate that the animals’ decapitation, a procedure necessary for rabies testing, was performed by the “city.”
“It is important to note that euthanasia orders are almost always carried out at the request of either the individual potentially exposed or an agency conducting an animal-related investigation,” stated Chemung County Executive Christopher Moss.
However, the Police Benevolent Association of New York State, the union representing the conservation department, asserts that the animals were delivered alive to the Chemung County Health Department. The union contends that the decision to euthanize was made by the health department.
USA TODAY reached out to all involved agencies for clarification on who initiated the euthanasia request, but no responses were received by Tuesday.
Legality of Pet Squirrels in New York
In New York State, keeping squirrels as pets is illegal. If a found squirrel appears to need assistance, the appropriate course of action is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Longo mentioned that he and his wife obtained their Wildlife Rehabilitator Licenses, issued by the conservation department, in August. According to the department, this license “authorizes a New York resident to rehabilitate or care for injured or young orphaned wildlife for their return back to the wild.” It does not permit keeping wild animals as pets long-term.
Longo stated he was informed that a different “educational certificate” was required to legally keep Peanut within their home.
Peanut the Squirrel: A Social Media Icon
Peanut was more than just a squirrel; he was a rescued animal who had been under Longo’s care for seven years. Longo discovered Peanut as a tiny baby squirrel in the dangerous setting of a Manhattan street.
After eight months of nurturing and rehabilitation, Longo attempted to release Peanut back into his natural habitat. However, just a day and a half later, Peanut returned, injured from an attack that damaged his tail. From that moment on, Peanut lived indoors.
“One day, we casually shared a video of Peanut jumping to me, and it went viral. His popularity grew rapidly after that,” Longo recounted. “It snowballed positively, and he eventually became known as the world’s most famous squirrel.”
Leveraging Peanut’s widespread fame, the Longos established P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023. This non-profit animal sanctuary is situated on their expansive 200-acre property in Pine City. Longo estimates that the farm provides a home to approximately 400 animals.
Longo explained that operating the animal sanctuary incurs monthly costs between $20,000 and $25,000, with approximately 50% of these funds generated through Peanut’s social media platforms. The remaining funds, Longo added, come from the Longos’ social media management business.
Fred the Raccoon: Another Rescue
Fred the raccoon, while less famous than Peanut, was also a part of the sanctuary. He was brought to P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary by a neighbor about five months prior to the incident, according to Longo.
“Our intention was to care for him until he was strong enough to return to the wild. He was never meant to be a permanent pet or become famous on social media,” Longo clarified. “It was simply an opportunity for us to provide care for this animal and then release him back into our 200 acres of woods.”
Keeping Peanut’s Memory Alive
Longo frequently appeared in Peanut’s videos, often seen offering his arm for Peanut to jump onto or feeding him treats. In recent weeks, Longo has consciously chosen to keep the focus on Peanut’s legacy.
“If Peanut were in charge of finances and could speak, I’m sure I would have been fired immediately,” Longo joked. “As his popularity grew, people started noticing me more, but it wasn’t about personal fame. People started calling me ‘squirrel dad.’ When some suggested I was doing it for clout, I’d say, ‘Have someone call you ‘squirrel daddy’ and see how much clout you actually get.'”
Jeff Murray of the Elmira Star-Gazette contributed to this report.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. For story ideas, contact her at [email protected].
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Peanut the squirrel looking directly at the camera with a curious and endearing expression
