New York authorities euthanize social media star Peanut the squirrel | new York

An orphaned squirrel named Peanut who became a social media star was euthanized after New York authorities seized the beloved pet during a raid on his caretaker's home, authorities said.

After anonymous complaints, state Department of Environmental Protection (DEC) officials removed the squirrel and a raccoon named Fred from Mark Longo's home near the Pennsylvania border in rural Pine City on Wednesday, Longo said.

On Friday, the DEC and Chemung County Health Department confirmed the fate of both animals.

“On October 30, DEC seized a raccoon and a squirrel that were sharing a residence with humans, posing a risk of rabies to humans. In addition, a person involved in the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,” authorities said in a statement, CBS News in New York reported. “The animals will be tested for rabies and anyone who has come into contact with these animals is strongly advised to consult their doctor.”

Neither agency responded to Associated Press requests for comment.

Peanut has amassed tens of thousands of followers on Instagram, TikTok and other platforms in the seven years since Longo, who runs an animal shelter, said he took him in after seeing his mother get hit by a car in New York City .

On Peanut's Instagram account, the squirrel can be seen hopping on Longo's shoulder, jumping through a hoop, holding and eating waffles, and wearing miniature hats.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news: On October 30, the DEC made the devastating decision to euthanize our beloved Peanut squirrel and Fred our raccoon. Despite our impassioned cries for compassion, the agency ignored our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and sadness,” an Instagram post said on Friday, accompanied by a video montage of the animals interacting with their smiling caretakers.

Longo and his wife Daniela opened P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023. It now houses about 300 animals, including horses, goats and alpacas, Longo said. He said he was in the process of filing paperwork to have Peanut certified as a learner animal when the squirrel was confiscated.