Mark Longo, who had Peanut the Squirrel as a pet for the last seven years, criticized New York’s decision to take and euthanize the formerly wild, social media-famous animal, calling it a “disgrace.”

“What occurred today and throughout this week has been nothing short of a tragedy and a disgrace to New York state,” Longo expressed to NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo over the weekend. “They used state resources to kill a squirrel and a raccoon and raided my home as if I was a drug dealer. We can afford to kill a raccoon and a squirrel, but we can’t fix the major bridges nearby? It’s outrageous.”

On November 1, Peanut the Squirrel, who boasted over 692,000 followers on Instagram – a number that increased after recent events – was euthanized for rabies testing based on a statement from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Chemung County Department of Health. This statement also mentioned that a person involved in the investigation was bitten by the squirrel.

Just two days prior, Peanut was taken from Longo’s home in Pine City, New York, due to “numerous public complaints about the potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that might carry rabies and illegal keeping of wildlife as pets,” clarified the department. A raccoon named Fred was also taken and euthanized during this incident.

Over the weekend, Longo shared several updates on Peanut’s Instagram account, featuring news interviews, fan art, and past videos of Peanut.

“We had no communication from the DEC. We didn’t even receive a statement from them. We found out Peanut was dead from another news outlet,” Longo remarked to Cuomo.

In the wake of Peanut’s seizure, a GoFundMe campaign was set up. Initially intended to help cover potential legal costs to reclaim Peanut, the campaign’s aim shifted over the weekend to honor Peanut by supporting P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit focused on assisting neglected animals. By Monday morning, the GoFundMe had raised $162,955.

YSL News has reached out to Longo for further comments.

What are the results of Peanut’s rabies test?

The results of Peanut’s rabies test have yet to be disclosed. YSL News reached out to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Chemung County Department of Health for an update on Monday morning, but no response has been received.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that rabies test results are usually available within 24 to 72 hours after an animal is euthanized.

Can squirrels contract rabies?

Though uncommon, squirrels are capable of carrying rabies and can transmit the virus to humans.

According to Critter Control, a wildlife removal service, the saliva of a rabid squirrel can have a high concentration of the virus. Infection can result from direct contact, such as bites, scratches, or exposure to saliva. Common behaviors exhibited by a rabid squirrel include circling, falling, drooling, aggression, and seizures, as noted by Critter Control.

Why are animals euthanized for rabies testing?

The CDC states that animals that display signs of rabies must be euthanized so that a specimen can be sent to a qualified lab for testing. This is necessary as rabies testing requires a “full cross-section of tissue from both the brainstem and cerebellum.” Currently, there are no approved methods for detecting rabies in animals before death.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Chemung County Department of Health has advised that anyone who had contact with the confiscated squirrel or raccoon should consult a doctor.

Was quarantine a possibility?

While the CDC recommends euthanizing animals suspected of having rabies, stray dogs, cats, and ferrets can undergo a “10-day observation period” if euthanasia is not desired, especially if there’s potential to re-home the animal.

For other species, however, actions are determined based on “species, the circumstances of the bite, rabies prevalence in the area, the animal’s health history, and potential exposure to rabies,” according to the CDC.

Who was Peanut the Squirrel?

Peanut was a rescue squirrel that had been cared for by Longo for seven years.

Longo first encountered Peanut when he witnessed the squirrel’s mother being hit by a car. Tragically, the mother died, leaving Peanut an orphan. Longo struggled to find a shelter willing to take him in and ended up feeding baby Peanut for eight months before trying to release him back into nature.

“I let him go in the backyard, and a day and a half later, he was back on my porch, missing half his tail. I was heartbroken, feeling like I had failed him,” Longo recounted to YSL News in 2022. “I opened the door, he dashed inside, and that marked the end of Peanut’s brief time in the wild.”

For the first five years, Longo, Peanut, and Longo’s cat, Chloe, lived together harmoniously.

Last spring, Longo established P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in Pine City, which serves as a “haven for neglected and homeless animals to receive another chance at life,” according to its website.

“We relocated to a small town to start a nonprofit animal rescue named P’Nuts Freedom Farm. We recognized this internet phenomenon was fleeting and aimed to turn it into something meaningful, so we moved from Connecticut to New York. We have rescued over 300 animals, all in Peanut’s memory,” Longo shared.

During an interview with NewsNation’s Cuomo, an individual remarked, “Peanut is the heart of our organization. I utilized his social media presence to raise funds to support animal welfare.”

Are Squirrels Legal Pets in New York?

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation clarifies that it is against the law to keep young wildlife, such as squirrels, as pets.

According to the Department, “Incorrect care provided to young wildlife can lead to inappropriate bonds with humans.” This may cause them to return to populated areas after being released, where they risk being attacked by pets or getting hit by cars. Additionally, they might intrude and cause problems by raiding food supplies, garbage, or homes. Some may even disrupt the territories of other animals of the same species.

If someone discovers an injured or orphaned wild animal, the department advises contacting a wildlife rehabilitator. These professionals are the only ones permitted by law to care for and treat distressed wildlife, with the aim of releasing the animal back to its natural habitat once it has recovered.