(AP) – A New York man, Mark Longo, who transformed a rescued squirrel named Peanut into a beloved social media sensation, is urgently appealing to state authorities for the return of his cherished pet after officials seized him during a raid that also discovered a raccoon named Fred. This dramatic event took place at Longo’s home situated in the rural landscape of Pine City, close to the Pennsylvania border.
Longo reported that the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) acted on multiple anonymous complaints regarding Peanut — affectionately nicknamed P’Nut or PNUT — which led to a swarm of at least six officers descending upon his residence on Wednesday.
“The DEC came to my house and raided my house without a search warrant to find a squirrel!” exclaimed Longo, who is 34 years old. “I was treated as if I was a drug dealer and they were going for drugs and guns.” This unexpected invasive action has left Longo feeling both bewildered and wronged.
The officers departed with Peanut, who had gained an impressive following of hundreds of thousands of fans on platforms like Instagram and TikTok over the seven years he spent with Longo. They also took Fred, a more recent addition to Longo’s eclectic family.
In a statement, a DEC spokesperson indicated that the agency initiated an investigation following numerous public reports about the allegedly unsafe conditions in which the wildlife was being kept, raising concerns that they could harbor rabies and involve illegal wildlife possession.
Longo, who founded an animal refuge inspired by his beloved squirrel named P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, expressed his sorrow on Instagram, stating, “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you.”
Longo’s heartache deepened with the fear that Peanut may have been euthanized. “I don’t know if Peanut is alive,” Longo said during a phone interview Thursday. “I don’t know where he is.”
The DEC spokesperson did not address inquiries regarding the fate of Peanut, leaving Longo in a state of uncertainty and despair.
Longo’s bond with Peanut began seven years ago when he discovered the tiny squirrel orphaned after witnessing its mother get struck by a vehicle in New York City. Longo brought the helpless Peanut home and nurtured him for eight months before attempting to reintroduce him to the wild. “A day and a half later I found him sitting on my porch missing half of his tail with his bone sticking out,” Longo recalled, highlighting the struggles Peanut faced in adapting to life outside.
Recognizing that Peanut lacked the necessary survival skills, Longo made the decision to keep him as an indoor pet. Soon after, Peanut’s playful antics captured the hearts of viewers online, leading to his rise to internet fame.
Peanut’s Instagram showcases the squirrel’s quirky personality, as he jumps onto Longo’s shoulder, dons a miniature cowboy hat, and even stylishly munches on a waffle while sporting crocheted bunny ears.
Peanut’s remarkable journey has been spotlighted across various media outlets, including USA Today, demonstrating how an unconventional pet can capture the public’s imagination.
Longo, a mechanical engineer by trade, moved from Norwalk, Connecticut, to upstate New York last year with the ambition of establishing an animal sanctuary. P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary opened its doors in April 2023 and currently provides a home for approximately 300 animals, including horses, goats, and alpacas. This venture is a family affair, as Longo works alongside his wife, Daniela, and other relatives.
Knowing that New York state law prohibits the ownership of a wild animal without proper licensing, Longo stated he had been in the process of obtaining certification for Peanut as an educational animal, seeking to comply with legal requirements.
“If we’re not following the rules, guide us in the right direction,” Longo pleaded. “Let us know what we need to do to have Peanut in the house and not have to worry about him getting taken.”
As for Fred the raccoon, Longo explained that he had only taken the injured animal in a few months prior, with the intention of rehabilitating him and ultimately returning him to the wild.
Longo’s plight echoes the sentiments of other pet owners in New York, as he joins the ranks of individuals advocating for their beloved animals. Recently, a man from the Buffalo area made headlines after filing a lawsuit against the DEC for the return of his 750-pound alligator, emphasizing a growing concern and frustration amongst animal lovers regarding state regulations.
**Interview with Mark Longo: The Man Behind Social Media Sensation Peanut the Squirrel**
**Editor:** Mark, thank you for joining us today. We’re sorry to hear about the current situation with Peanut. Can you tell us a bit more about what happened when authorities arrived at your home?
**Mark Longo:** Thank you for having me. It was a shock, honestly. I was at home when suddenly at least six officers from the Department of Environmental Conservation showed up unannounced. They treated me like I was a criminal! I mean, they were there searching for a squirrel! It felt completely invasive and unwarranted.
**Editor:** That sounds incredibly stressful. You mentioned that the raid was prompted by anonymous complaints. What kind of allegations were made against you regarding Peanut?
**Mark Longo:** I learned that there were claims about unsafe living conditions for Peanut and Fred, my raccoon. People were concerned about rabies and illegal wildlife possession. But I have poured my heart and soul into caring for these animals. Peanut has been my companion for seven years and lives a happy, safe life here.
**Editor:** Peanut has garnered quite the online following. Can you share what made him so beloved to so many?
**Mark Longo:** Peanut has such a quirky personality! He’s playful and loves to dress up. I have videos of him jumping on my shoulder, wearing his tiny cowboy hat, and munching on waffles while rocking crocheted bunny ears. He brings so much joy and laughter to people’s lives, and that’s why I think they connected with him so deeply.
**Editor:** That connection has unmistakably led to a strong community rallying around you both. How have you felt supported throughout this ordeal?
**Mark Longo:** I’ve received an outpouring of support from fans and friends online. People have shared their memories of Peanut and even posted messages urging the DEC to return him. However, the heartbreak of not knowing where Peanut is and fearing for his safety weighs heavily on me.
**Editor:** You mentioned that you are worried about Peanut’s wellbeing. Have you received any information from the DEC about his current status?
**Mark Longo:** Unfortunately, no. The DEC has not communicated with me about Peanut, and that uncertainty is unbearable. I’m just praying he’s okay and that he hasn’t been euthanized or anything worse. He deserves to be safe and loved, just like he has always been with me.
**Editor:** You established P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary out of your love for Peanut. How has that influenced your approach to caring for animals?
**Mark Longo:** Absolutely. Seeing Peanut thrive inspired me to create this sanctuary. I want to give a voice to animals in need and provide them with a loving home. Every animal deserves a chance at life, just as Peanut did when I found him orphaned in the city.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your story, Mark. We sincerely hope that Peanut will be returned to you soon, and that you find the support you need during this difficult time.
**Mark Longo:** Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it. I just want Peanut back home where he belongs.
