A squirrel named Peanut, who became a social media star, has died after being taken into custody by New York State from his caretaker’s home. Peanut’s owners and the Department of Environmental Conservation said Friday that the squirrel and a raccoon (renamed Fred), also seized earlier in the week, had been euthanized. The agency said it removed the animals from the home in rural Pine City after receiving reports of wild animals being illegally kept as pets by Mark Longo. Peanut has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on social media in the seven years that his owner has welcomed him into the home.
“On October 30, DEC seized a raccoon and a squirrel sharing a household with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies. Additionally, one person involved in the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. For rabies testing, both animals were euthanized,” the agencies said in a statement, reported by CBS News.
Peanut has amassed tens of thousands of followers on Instagram, TikTok and other platforms in the seven years since Longo, who runs an animal sanctuary, said she took him in after seeing his mother hit by a car in New York. Peanut’s Instagram account shows the squirrel jumping on Longo’s shoulder, jumping through a hoop, holding and eating waffles and wearing miniature hats. “It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news that on October 30, DEC made the devastating decision to euthanize our beloved squirrel Peanut and raccoon Fred. Despite our pleas for compassion, the agency chose to ignore our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and grief,” read an Instagram post on Friday, accompanied by a video showing the animals interacting with their smiling guardians. Longo and his wife, Daniela, opened the P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023. Elon Musk also lashed out after the decision on the two animals: “The government’s excessive power kidnapped an orphaned squirrel and executed him…”.
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**Interview with Animal Behavior Expert Dr. Emily Thornton**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thornton. As many of our viewers know, Peanut the squirrel, who captured hearts on Instagram, was euthanized after being taken by authorities from his caretaker’s home. What is your initial reaction to this news?
**Dr. Thornton:** Thank you for having me. It’s truly heartbreaking. Peanut’s story highlights not only the unique bond that can form between humans and animals but also the challenging ethical and legal implications of keeping wild animals as pets.
**Interviewer:** Peanut had over half a million followers. What do you think attracted so many people to follow an animal like him?
**Dr. Thornton:** Peanut’s charm and personality were certainly compelling. Social media allows animals to showcase their unique behaviors, and for Peanut, it likely created a narrative that resonated with many—his playful antics and human-like demeanor captivated audiences. People enjoy seeing animals in ways that feel relatable.
**Interviewer:** There are comments circulating about the legality of keeping a wild animal like Peanut as a pet. Can you shed some light on this issue?
**Dr. Thornton:** Absolutely. In many places, it is illegal to keep wild animals without special permits. These laws exist to protect both the animals and the public. Wild animals often have complex needs that are challenging to meet in a home setting. Peanut’s case illustrates the potential consequences when those regulations are not followed.
**Interviewer:** After authorities seized Peanut and a raccoon from his owner, they were euthanized to test for rabies. What is the rationale behind that decision?
**Dr. Thornton:** Euthanization for rabies testing can occur when there is a significant risk of exposure, especially in wild animals that might come into contact with domestic pets or humans. Rabies is a serious disease, and authorities must prioritize public health. However, the decision to euthanize is certainly a difficult one and often leads to public outcry, as seen in this case.
**Interviewer:** What can pet owners and animal lovers learn from Peanut’s tragic story?
**Dr. Thornton:** The key takeaway is to appreciate and respect wildlife from a distance. While it’s wonderful to admire and appreciate animals like Peanut, it’s crucial to remember that they belong in their natural habitat, not as pets. Additionally, this situation underscores the importance of adhering to regulations regarding wildlife and understanding the implications of those choices.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Thornton, for your insights on this sensitive situation.
**Dr. Thornton:** Thank you for bringing attention to this important topic. It’s a discussion we need to have moving forward.
