NATIONAL NEWS

Peanut the squirrel, social media star, euthanized after New York officials seized home

Nov 1, 2024, 7:52 PM | Updated: Nov 4, 2024, 9:24 am

This undated image provided by Mark Longo shows his pet squirrel Peanut that was seized by officers...

FILE — This undated image provided by Mark Longo shows his pet squirrel Peanut that was seized by officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation, at Longo's home in rural Pine City, N.Y., Oct. 30, 2024. (Courtesy Mark Longo via AP, File)

(Courtesy Mark Longo via AP, File)

PINE CITY, N.Y. (AP) — An orphaned squirrel that became a social media star called Peanut was euthanized after state authorities seized the beloved pet during a raid on his caretaker’s home, authorities said Friday.

After anonymous complaints, officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation took 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 Department of Health confirmed both animals’ fate.

“On Oct. 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies. In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,” the agencies said in a statement, CBS News in New York reported. “The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician.”

Neither agency responded to The Associated Press’s requests for comment.

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

Peanut’s Instagram account shows the squirrel leaping on to Longo’s shoulder, jumping through a hoop, holding and eating waffles and wearing miniature hats.

“It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news: on October 30th, the DEC made the devastating decision to euthanize our beloved Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. Despite our passionate outcry for compassion, the agency chose to ignore our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and grief,” an Instagram post said 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 get Peanut certified as an educational animal when he was seized.

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

FILE - President-elect Donald Trump attends a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the ...

Associated Press

Trump is named Time’s Person of the Year, will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell

President-elect Donald Trump is back in his hometown of New York where he's been honored as Time magazine’s Person of the Year and will ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

2 hours ago

This still image provided by Green Lake County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Mark Podoll holds a news c...

Todd Richmond, Associated Press

Wisconsin kayaker who faked his death and fled the country is charged after returning to US

A Wisconsin man who faked his own drowning and left his wife and three children for Eastern Europe willingly returned to the U.S. after four months and was charged Wednesday with obstructing an intense lake search for his body.

15 hours ago

Fog hovers over the dome of the US Capitol on December 10 in Washington, DC. (Kent Nishimura/Getty ...

Annie Grayer, Clare Foran and Haley Talbot, CNN

House passes defense policy bill that bans gender-affirming care for transgender children

The House voted on Wednesday to pass a critical defense policy bill known as the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a ban against gender-affirming care for some transgender children that further inflamed the politics around the must-pass piece of legislation.

16 hours ago

traffic on i-215 as people travel for holiday plans...

Sam Herrera

AAA expects record high for holiday travel at the end of the year

AAA is expecting a record amount of holiday travel between Dec. 21 and Jan. 1. The organization recommends planning ahead.

18 hours ago

FBI Director Christopher Wray...

Associated Press

FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign at end of Biden’s term in January

FBI Director Christopher Wray said Wednesday he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden's term in January

20 hours ago

FILE - The Supreme Court is seen in Washington, Nov. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)C...

Mariah Maynes, KSL NewsRadio

SCOTUS hears oral arguments in Uinta Basin Railway case

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case challenging the canceled approval of the Uinta Basin Railway.

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

Choosing the Right Computer: A Comprehensive Guide

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: A Trusted Name in Utah’s Home Appliance Industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

family having fun at home...

Lighting Design

Discover the impact of lighting on your mood

From color temperature to lighting saturation, we tackle how different lighting design setups can impact your day-to-day mood.

Peanut the squirrel, social media star, euthanized after New York officials seized home