The internet-famous squirrel, Peanut, also known as P-Nut to his fans, is no more. Mark Longo, his owner and the creator behind Peanut’s popular Instagram account, is in mourning after his beloved pet was euthanized.
On November 1st, Longo shared on Instagram that Peanut, along with his pet raccoon Fred, had been euthanized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This announcement sparked immediate outrage and grief among Peanut’s large online following.
Longo expressed his devastation online, stating, “Despite our passionate outcry for compassion, the agency chose to ignore our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and grief.” The situation has also drawn the attention of political figures, with Congressman Nick Langworthy voicing his criticism of the DEC’s actions on X.
Langworthy commented on X, “The NYS DEC needs a serious reality check on their ridiculously mistaken priorities. Instead of focusing on critical needs like flood mitigation in places like Steuben County, where local officials have to struggle just to get permits from the DEC to clear debris-filled waterways, they’re out seizing pet squirrels. NY taxpayers deserve better.”
Alt text: Instagram post by Mark Longo announcing the euthanization of Peanut the squirrel by NYS DEC.
An internal investigation into the DEC’s handling of the seizure and subsequent euthanization of Peanut and Fred is currently underway, as reported by NBC-affiliate WETM on November 8th.
To understand the public outcry and the ongoing investigation, it’s crucial to delve into the details of who Peanut the squirrel was, why he was confiscated, and ultimately, why Peanut the squirrel was killed.
Who Was Peanut the Squirrel?
Peanut was more than just a squirrel; he was an internet celebrity. Through the Instagram account peanut_the_squirrel12, managed by Mark Longo, Peanut charmed over 500,000 followers. Videos showcased Peanut’s daily life, from enjoying treats and playfully climbing on Longo to simply scurrying around the house.
Alt text: Adorable video still of Peanut the squirrel happily eating a nut in Mark Longo’s home.
Peanut’s Instagram bio links to P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, an animal refuge Longo established and named in honor of Peanut. According to the sanctuary’s website, Longo found Peanut as a baby seven years prior. Peanut had suffered a severe attack, losing part of his tail, which made survival in the wild unlikely. Longo took him in, providing a safe and loving home for the injured squirrel.
Why Was Peanut Confiscated by the NYS DEC?
On October 30th, Peanut and Fred, Longo’s pet raccoon, were seized from his residence by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. According to NBC News reports, the DEC acted on multiple anonymous complaints regarding Peanut. Witnesses reported seeing “at least six officers” at Longo’s home to carry out the seizure.
The DEC and the Chemung County Department of Health issued a joint statement explaining their actions. They cited their coordination to “ensure the protection of public health related to the illegal possession of wild animals that have the potential to carry the rabies virus.”
Alt text: Official logo of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The DEC emphasizes the illegality of keeping wildlife as pets, particularly young animals. Their official website states that wild animals are “not well suited for life in captivity” and pose a risk of transmitting diseases, including rabies, to humans.
Following the confiscation, Longo expressed his frustration and disappointment on Instagram, directly addressing those who filed complaints. He wrote online, “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness,” and added, “To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you.”
Why Was Peanut the Squirrel Euthanized? The Rabies Concern
Despite public pleas for Peanut and Fred’s release, both animals were euthanized. Longo stated that the DEC informed the media of their deaths before even notifying P’nuts Freedom Farm, his non-profit organization. “[T]his demonstrates a troubling lack of respect and empathy. Their lives were precious, and we refuse to accept this loss in silence,” Longo conveyed on Instagram.
The DEC and the Chemung County Department of Health maintained that the euthanization was necessary after Peanut reportedly bit an individual involved in the investigation. “To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,” their joint statement explained. They further advised anyone who had been in contact with the animals to seek medical consultation, highlighting the rabies risk.
Investigation into Peanut’s Euthanasia
The death of Peanut the squirrel has triggered an internal investigation within the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. WETM reported on November 8th that the investigation is actively reviewing the search and seizure procedures of Peanut and Fred from Longo’s animal sanctuary.
In a statement to WETM, the DEC affirmed their commitment to wildlife safety and well-being in New York and confirmed the internal review of policies and procedures. While the DEC and the Chemung County Health Department cited a bite incident as the reason for euthanization, and rabies testing as the justification, WETM’s report pointed out the lack of verifiable rabies cases in squirrels in New York State, raising further questions about the necessity and handling of Peanut’s case.
The investigation is ongoing, leaving Peanut’s devoted followers and animal welfare advocates awaiting answers and hoping for changes in how such situations are handled in the future. The question of why they killed Peanut the squirrel remains a point of contention and a symbol of the ongoing debate between wildlife regulations and compassion for individual animals.
