In a shocking and tragic twist, Peanut the Squirrel, adored by thousands of followers across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, has been euthanized by New York State authorities just days after being seized from his home.
According to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Peanut, affectionately known to fans as “P’Nut,” was put down alongside Fred the raccoon to test for rabies. This decision, however, has stirred a wave of outrage, with many questioning the need for such drastic measures.
Peanut’s guardian, Mark Longo, who had lovingly cared for the seven-year-old gray squirrel since rescuing him as a baby, took to social media to mourn his pet. In a tear-filled video shared on Instagram, Longo, flanked by his girlfriend, expressed his profound grief: “Peanut was the best thing that ever happened to us.”
His voice cracking, he added, “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.” The post has since gone viral, with countless fans sharing condolences and outrage at the loss of the beloved squirrel.
Peanut was no ordinary squirrel. Longo had rescued him after witnessing the mother squirrel tragically struck by a car. The tiny, helpless animal became a social media sensation due to his friendly demeanor, charming antics, and his role as a voice for animal advocacy. Inspired by Peanut, Longo even relocated to upstate New York, founding “P’Nut’s Freedom Farm,” an animal sanctuary dedicated to rescuing wildlife.
Yet this heartwarming journey came to a sudden halt last Wednesday when DEC agents, acting on anonymous complaints about wild animals in Longo’s home, seized Peanut and Fred. “Well, internet, you WON,” Longo wrote bitterly on Instagram after the seizure, blaming those he felt had betrayed his efforts. “You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness.” In a follow-up post, Longo directly addressed those who filed complaints, saying, “To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you.”
In its statement, the DEC said that Peanut had bitten one of their agents during the seizure, necessitating the euthanization of both Peanut and Fred to test for rabies. “To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized. The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician,” the agency’s statement read. According to Longo, however, Peanut had always been notably docile, friendly, and harmless throughout his seven years of public appearances and interactions.
The news has ignited a firestorm on social media, with fans and animal advocates questioning the DEC’s handling of the situation. Longo, meanwhile, is seeking financial support for a legal battle and additional resources for P’Nut’s Freedom Farm. As he mourns the loss of his cherished companion, he continues to demand answers—and justice—for Peanut’s untimely death.
For now, Peanut’s memory lives on through the countless followers who saw him as a symbol of resilience, kindness, and the undeniable bond between humans and wildlife. “Peanut taught me so much about love and compassion,” Longo shared in his final message. “He might be gone, but his spirit will inspire us to keep fighting.”
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The agent who allegedly bitten should not have provoked the squirrel. Sad that Peanuts had to be murdered while the evil clowns who were involved in this incident (complainers, DEC Agents, etc.) are allowed to walk among us. Another good reason to locate to a state that isn’t a corrupt communist paradise. Say Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina.
Those responsible for taking peanut away should be euthanized.
Another example of government overreach. The government wants to run every part of our lives and dictate what we can and can’t do. How about doing the job you are supposed to do, defend our boarders, handle crime and allow us our rights. if we are not hurting anyone leave us in peace.
Mr. Longo tried to do the RIGHT thing by rescuing a baby squirrel when it’s mother was tragically killed. The authorities say that people should not intervene in cases like this. Well, what would have happened to PNut if Mr Longo had turned away? He gave PNut love and care for seven long years. And it’s obvious that PNut loved him. If nosey busybodies had minded their own business, PNut and Fred would have continued to live happy lives. If NYDEC had investigated their environment without the jackboot Gestapo tactics, scaring the poor animals, one of their agents wouldn’t have been bitten. PNut and Fred would still be alive, living their best lives. They weren’t being abused or mistreated, and they weren’t a danger to anyone. They most certainly did not have rabies, since they had been inside Mr. Longo’s home all their lives, not exposed to the disease. I hope Mr. Longo does sue the NYDEC because they obviously did not follow safety protocols in handling wild animals, or there would not have been a bite serious enough to require a rabies test. And the requirement for a rabies test is that the animal SHOWS SIGNS OF RABIES! AGAIN…Fred and PNut HAD NOT BEEN EXPOSED TO RABIES SO COULD NOT HAVE SHOWN ANY SIGNS! NYDEC are a bunch of heartless liars and I hope someone is prosecuted and that Mr. Longo receives a massive settlement!
RIP FRED AND PNUT!
The overreach by the DEC agents is unacceptable and the punishment needs to be extremely severe. Termination of employment by all parties involved in this outrageous incident needs to include the agents, the judge, and the NY head of DEC! Then jail time n
eeds to follow!
You euthanize a poor animal yet won’t effing do your jobs in this country on illegals and gutter trash. The government has its head so far up their a–! RIP SWEET BABY! SO SAD!