The Heartbreaking Story of Peanut the Squirrel

Peanut the squirrel, an adored online personality with a large following, became the center of a controversy after the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized him from his owner, Mark Longo. Peanut had been with Longo for seven years, after being rescued as a baby when his mother was hit by a car. Mark started an Instagram account for Peanut, who quickly captured the hearts of fans worldwide with charming videos and photos.

The seizure took place on October 30, 2023, when DEC officials reportedly arrived without warning, claiming that the public had raised concerns about the housing and legal status of Peanut as a pet. The DEC enforces laws prohibiting private ownership of certain wildlife species in New York, including squirrels, citing health risks like rabies. Alongside Peanut, the DEC also took an injured raccoon that Longo was caring for with plans to release it into the wild once healed.

News of Peanut's euthanization devastated Longo, who shared his shock and grief on social media, along with updates on his efforts to bring Peanut home. He launched a GoFundMe campaign and a Change.org petition to cover legal expenses and raise awareness, gathering considerable public support. Many followers have expressed outrage and sadness over Peanut's fate, joining Longo in petitioning for changes to laws around pet ownership of rehabilitated animals like Peanut.

The DEC, however, maintains that the seizure was necessary for public safety. The tragedy has since sparked widespread discussion on social media about wildlife regulations and animal welfare, particularly for animals that form close bonds with their caretakers, like Peanut did with Longo.