Peanut the Squirrel: A Beloved Social Media Sensation Touches Hearts Worldwide

Peanut, the cherished squirrel who captured the hearts of thousands, is making headlines following a tragic event. With an impressive following of over 619,000 on Instagram and 100,000 on TikTok, this adorable creature was sadly euthanized by New York state wildlife officials as part of a rabies testing protocol, according to reports from CBS News. This shocking news has left many fans devastated, highlighting the emotional bond people have formed with Peanut through social media.

Mark Longo, the devoted owner of Peanut, expressed his anguish, claiming that excessive force was used during the seizure of his beloved pet, as state wildlife officials insisted that owning Peanut was illegal. He described the incident as traumatic and unnecessary, revealing the emotional toll it has taken on him and his family.

Mark shared his heartfelt sadness in a recent social media post, stating, “Peanut was the best thing that ever happened to us.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the community of followers who adored Peanut and enjoyed watching the joyful moments shared online.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed the seizure of Peanut earlier in the week, along with a pet raccoon named Fred, raising concerns about potential rabies exposure. The situation underscores the complexities surrounding the ownership of exotic pets and the legalities involved.

Discover the Full Story Behind Peanut’s Tragic End…

On October 30, the DEC reported the seizure of both a raccoon and a squirrel residing with humans, creating a situation that posed risks for human exposure to rabies. In a troubling twist, a person involved in the investigation was bitten by Peanut, prompting the decision to euthanize both animals for rabies testing. The statement from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, alongside the Chemung County Department of Health, outlines the serious nature of the situation.

The officials urged anyone who had contact with either animal to seek advice from their doctor, emphasizing the potential health risks associated with rabies. This incident has sparked conversations about wildlife management and public safety, highlighting the responsibilities of pet owners.

Mark detailed the raid on his home and farm, known as P’nuts Freedom Farm, which lasted five hours. “Do you really need that many officers to search my house and literally pull my closets apart?” he questioned, expressing disbelief at the overwhelming response from authorities during the incident.

CBS News points out that under current state law, individuals can legally rescue squirrels only by becoming licensed wildlife rehabilitators. To keep a domesticated wild animal legally, owners must register it as an educational animal, adding another layer of complexity to pet ownership.

Mark stated, “We were ready to comply, we were ready to get the paperwork, we were in the process of doing that. We needed a little bit of guidance from the DEC.” He has plans to pursue legal action against what he perceives as the excessive force used during the raid, emphasizing the need for clearer communication from wildlife officials.

In a poignant message, Mark expressed his grief online: “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. Y’all, we desperately need your help. Help us raise the money to fight this and support @pnuts_freedom_farm in continuing to help animals like Peanut,” he wrote in a heartfelt plea for assistance.

See the emotional post…