Peanut the Squirrel, a cherished social media personality, has died, his owner Mark Longo announced on Friday. The announcement follows a tragic turn of events that led to Peanut’s seizure by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
On October 30, just two days before the announcement, the DEC took Peanut, whose name is also spelled P’Nut or PNUT, along with Fred the raccoon, from Longo’s residence. Longo revealed in a statement shared on Peanut’s Instagram account that both animals were euthanized. “It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news: on October 30th, the DEC made the devastating decision to euthanize our beloved Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon,” he wrote.
In a joint statement released by the DEC and the Chemung County Department of Health, it was confirmed that the euthanasia was a precautionary measure. The statement explained the reasoning behind the decision: “The Chemung County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are coordinating to ensure the protection of public health related to the illegal possession of wild animals that have the potential to carry the rabies virus.”
According to the statement, the DEC seized both animals due to concerns over potential rabies exposure. It was noted that a person involved in the investigation had been bitten by the squirrel, prompting the need for rabies testing. “On Oct. 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies,” the statement read. The animals were euthanized to facilitate testing for the virus, and anyone who had come into contact with them was urged to consult a physician.
Longo expressed his profound anguish over the loss in his Instagram statement, sharing his shock and grief over what he described as a “troubling lack of respect and empathy” regarding the situation. “Their lives were precious, and we refuse to accept this loss in silence,” he added.
Just hours prior to the announcement, Longo had expressed hope that there was a “small chance” they could still get Peanut home. He urged his followers to support a Change.org petition and a GoFundMe campaign aimed at covering legal fees for attorneys who would assist them in addressing the situation and advocating for Peanut’s return.
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In a heart-wrenching second post, Longo shared a video of himself in tears, holding a drawing of Peanut. “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 ❤️,” he captioned the emotional video, emphasizing his love for Peanut and the impact the squirrel had on his life.
Peanut, known for his charming social media presence, had garnered a significant following on platforms like Instagram, where he often shared moments from his life with Longo. Fans of Peanut expressed their condolences and outrage over the decision to euthanize the beloved squirrel, reflecting the deep connection many felt with the social media star.
Longo’s announcement has ignited discussions about the legality and ethics surrounding the ownership of wild animals as pets. While some supporters advocate for animal rights and welfare, others argue for stricter regulations regarding the keeping of wildlife in residential settings.
As the community mourns the loss of Peanut, the debate continues over the complexities involved in caring for wild animals, the risks of rabies, and the responsibilities of pet owners. Longo’s plea for support reflects the struggles faced by many pet owners who encounter legal challenges when it comes to caring for unconventional pets.
