American star squirrel Peanut was seized and euthanized by state authorities due to concerns over the spread of the rabies virus.
According to reports from CBS News and other outlets on Saturday, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confiscated Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from Mark Longo’s residence and farm in Pine City on October 30.
Peanut gained immense popularity on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where videos showcasing her adorable appearance captivated many viewers. She has over 600,000 followers on Instagram.
Mark Longo, who has operated a private animal shelter in New York since April of last year, had cared for Peanut for seven years after the mother squirrel was hit by a car in New York and left Peanut behind.
The DEC seized Peanut and Fred out of concern that they could transmit the rabies virus to humans.
In a statement sent to CBS, the DEC stated, “During the investigation, a person was even bitten by the squirrel,” adding that the two animals were euthanized for rabies testing. They also recommended that anyone who had contact with these animals seek medical attention.
Longo shared the news of Peanut’s euthanasia through her Instagram account. He criticized the authorities, saying, “Despite our passionate outcry for compassion, the agency chose to ignore our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and grief.”
He also mentioned that when authorities seized Peanut, he was finding paperwork to get her certified as an educational animal. According to CBS, he plans to take legal action against the state government.
New York state law requires individuals to have a wildlife rehabilitation license to rescue wild animals like squirrels. Furthermore, legal procedures exist to register wild animals as educational animals.
Meanwhile, following the news of Peanut’s euthanasia, social media erupted with criticism of the state’s actions as excessive.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk pointed out on X (formerly Twitter), “Government overreach kidnapped an orphan squirrel and executed him.” In another post, he mentioned Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, stating, “President Donald Trump will save the squirrels.”
