New York state officials recently euthanized Peanut, a well-known squirrel with a substantial social media following, sparking widespread public outrage. Peanut, who rose to fame for his cute antics and iconic cowboy hats, was seized by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) during a recent raid on his owner’s residence.
Mark Longo, Peanut’s owner and operator of P’Nut’s Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, adopted the squirrel seven years ago after finding him as an orphan. Over time, Peanut became a beloved figure online, amassing hundreds of thousands of followers across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Fans adored watching Peanut enjoy waffles or wear playful costumes, such as tiny cowboy hats or bunny ears.
The DEC confirmed Peanut’s death, along with that of a raccoon named Fred, in a statement issued alongside the Chemung County Department of Health. The seizure took place on October 30, following complaints about the living …