Peanut the squirrel euthanized: What we know about New York’s famous rodent
PEANUT is a much-loved pet squirrel who has captured the hearts of millions on social media.
But fears emerged in late October 2024 that the charismatic rodent had been euthanized — here’s everything we know.
The squirrel has become an internet sensation through his endearing antics and close bond with his human caretaker, 34-year-old Mark Longo.
Peanut has amassed more than 3million social media followers.
He has an impressive 535k followers on Instagram and a further 424,000 on Facebook as of November 2024.
Peanut is also recognized as the first squirrel to gain over 1million — and later 2million — followers on TikTok.
Peanut’s story
Peanut’s journey began in 2017 when Mark discovered him as a five-week-old orphan after his mother was hit by a car.
He nursed the young squirrel back to health, but when attempts to release Peanut back into the wild proved unsuccessful, he became a permanent member of Mark’s family.
Over the years, Peanut and Mark’s relationship blossomed, with the pair sharing domestic life and amusing adventures that captivated online audiences.
The squirrel has been involved with everything from workout videos to non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
NFTs are digital works, such as art or music, which are stored on the blockchain and cannot be replicated — so each NFT is unique to whomever owns it.
Peanut can open packages, cashew nuts and milk cartons all by himself, and is regularly seen climbing all over his owner.
Their connection inspired Mark to establish P’Nut’s Freedom Farm, an animal rescue organization named after his furry companion located in New York state.
Seizure
On October 30, 2024, Peanut’s life took a dramatic turn when officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) arrived at Mark’s home and seized the squirrel.
“The DEC came to my house and raided my house without a search warrant to find a squirrel!” said Mark.
“I was treated as if I was a drug dealer and they were going for drugs and guns.”
The officers left with Peanut, and also took a racoon named Fred, a more recent addition to the family.
DEC released the following statement: “Following multiple reports from the public about the potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies and the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets, DEC conducted an investigation.
“DEC’s investigation is ongoing and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.’
Uncertain fate
The seizure of Peanut has sparked widespread concern and outrage among his followers and animal lovers.
Mark wrote on Instagram: “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness.
“To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you.”
Mark said he fears that Peanut has been euthanized in a telephone interview on October 30, 2024.
He said: “I don’t know if Peanut is alive. I don’t know where he is.”
The DEC has not confirmed whether Peanut will be euthanized, stating only that their investigation is ongoing.