The beloved internet celebrity squirrel Peanut, affectionately known as P’Nut, has tragically met his demise after being seized and euthanized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation earlier this week. The seven-year-old gray rescue squirrel, who had amassed a significant following on social media platforms, was put down along with a raccoon named Fred to undergo rabies testing, as stated by the agency.
JUSTICE FOR P'NUT AND FRED
WANTED FOR MURD3R: Sean Mahar. Office phone 518-402-8545 pic.twitter.com/GrAXIpRQe1
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Peanut’s devoted caretaker, Mark Longo, took to Instagram to bid a heart-wrenching farewell to his cherished companion through a video. Longo, accompanied by his girlfriend, expressed his profound gratitude towards Peanut, stating, “Peanut was the best thing that ever happened to us.”
“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,” Longo wrote in the caption, announcing Peanut’s tragic passing. He also implored fans for financial assistance to support a legal battle and his non-profit organization, P’Nut’s Freedom Farm.
According to the DEC’s statement, the decision to euthanize Peanut and Fred was prompted by an alleged bite incident during the confiscation process. “In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. 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 statement read.
Peanut’s journey began when Longo, a Connecticut native, rescued the squirrel after witnessing its mother being struck by a vehicle. Inspired by Peanut’s resilience and adorable nature, Longo relocated to upstate New York last year to establish “P’Nut’s Freedom Farm,” an animal sanctuary and rescue operation.
However, on Wednesday, Peanut and Fred were seized by the Department of Environmental Conservation following multiple anonymous complaints about the presence of wild animals in Longo’s home.
Two days after he was removed from his home, P'nut the squirrel was euthanized by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. More than 30,000 people came together to demand that the famous squirrel be returned to his owner and rescuer Mark Alongo.
To read the… pic.twitter.com/wiEXzRQ742
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“Well internet, you WON,” Longo wrote in a caption after the animals were seized. “You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness.”
The DEC stated that their intervention was in response to complaints about a potential rabies vector species, specifically Fred the raccoon, residing in Longo’s home.
