Internet-famous Peanut the squirrel was euthanized after the animal was seized by New York State earlier this week, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.
The seven-year-old gray squirrel, commonly known as “P’Nut” on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, was put to death, along with Fred the raccoon, so that the animals could be tested for the presence of rabies. , according to an agency statement obtained by WETM.
Peanut’s guardian, Mark Longo, took to Instagram to memorialize his beloved pet in a video.
In tears, Longo, with his girlfriend by his side, said: “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 for letting you down, but thank you for everything,” Longo wrote in a caption to the post announcing Peanut’s death.
Longo also asked his fans for financial help for a “legal battle” and for his nonprofit P’Nut’s Freedom Farm.
The DEC says Peanut, who has been particularly docile and friendly during his very public life, bit the hand of one of the investigators while it was being confiscated from his Elmira home Wednesday.
“In addition, a person involved in 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 doctor,” the DEC statement said, according to WETM.
Peanut was rescued by his guardian Mark Longo, after the Connecticut native saw P’Nut’s mother hit by a car.
The adorable and resilient Peanut inspired Longo to move to upstate New York last year and found “P’Nut’s Freedom Farm,” an animal sanctuary and rescue operation.
On Wednesday, Peanut and Fred the raccoon were seized by the Department of Environmental Conservation after several anonymous complaints about wild animals living in the Longo home.
“Well, Internet, you WON,” Longo wrote in a caption after the animals were seized. “You took one of the most amazing animals from me because of your selfishness.”
“To the group of people who called DEC, there is a special place in hell for you,” Longo added.
In a statement to the Post on Wednesday, the DEC said it was responding to complaints about a rabies vector species that was in the home, namely Fred the raccoon.
