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Tragic End for Beloved Social Media Squirrel, Peanut, After New York Seizure

Published November 03, 2024
3 months ago

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Peanut the Squirrel, a social media star with more than half a million Instagram followers, has been euthanized after being taken from his home in Pine City, New York. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Chemung County Department of Health issued a joint statement announcing that Peanut, along with a raccoon from the same residence, had been euthanized to facilitate testing for rabies. This drastic measure was taken following an incident where a person was bitten during Peanut's confiscation.





Peanut's unique journey as an orphaned squirrel rescued by content creator Mark Longo captured the hearts of many. Peanut gained widespread adoration through his playful antics and endearing moments shared on Instagram, which included over 1,400 posts of him navigating regular household activities with his owner. Despite Peanut's strong online presence and his owner's attempts to create a narrative of domestic bliss with the squirrel, it did not affect the unfortunate outcome.


The somber news of Peanut’s demise has left thousands of fans in disbelief. A Change.org petition and GoFundMe campaign launched to reunite Peanut with his family garnered substantial support but could not sway the authorities' decision. As of Friday, the petition had amassed 28,025 signatures, with the GoFundMe raising $7,875.


Peanut was more than a social media figure; he was part of Mark Longo's family and an integral member of P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary—a nonprofit founded by Longo to give maltreated and homeless animals a chance at life. Longo’s sanctuary, based in Pine City, is home to a variety of animals, and through Peanut, it shone a light on the compassion and care that can exist between humans and wildlife.


The situation echoes a stern warning about the legal and health implications of keeping wild animals as pets. According to DEC regulations, it is illegal to keep young wildlife in captivity without proper authorization, mainly due to the dangers they pose to humans and the potential for problematic behavior following their release. When encountering injured or orphaned wildlife, the DEC urges citizens to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator rather than attempt to care for the animals themselves.


Peanut's death has highlighted concerns about rabies, a fatal virus that affects mammals, including humans and pets. Following protocols from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, animals suspected of carrying rabies are euthanized to procure brain tissue samples for diagnosis, given there are no living tests for the virus. This incident has prompted authorities to advise anyone who may have come into contact with Peanut or the raccoon to consult a physician immediately.


The story of Peanut the Squirrel serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding human and wildlife interaction and serves as a stern message about adhering to wildlife regulations. Although Peanut's demise is a tragedy, it should also educate the public on the responsibilities and risks associated with trying to domesticate wild animals.


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