The Tragic Story Of Peanut The Squirrel

On October 30, 2024, Peanut the Squirrel's life ended in a way that shocked millions: euthanasia by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Affectionately known as P'Nut (sometimes spelled "PNut" or "Pnut"), this tiny eastern gray squirrel was rescued as a baby from the streets of New York, whereupon he rose to fame as a social media sensation by charming audiences with his playful antics and quirky personality. Peanut's charm was undeniable, as is generally the case with squirrels, making them a favorite among animal lovers. However, behind the adorable videos and viral posts lay a story filled with heartbreak, legal battles, and controversy.

From the tragic loss of his mother to his untimely death, Peanut's life was anything but ordinary. His story highlights the complex intersections of wildlife care, social media fame, and legal "gray" areas, particularly around pet ownership laws and the rights of exotic animals in captivity. The events leading up to Peanut's final days captured national attention, sparking outrage and raising critical questions about animal welfare legislation and pet ownership — issues that reverberated across the nation and beyond the social media sphere.

Peanut's story began tragically when his mother was struck and killed by a car. Mark Longo discovered the vulnerable baby rodent and, unable to find a shelter willing to take in the tiny eastern gray squirrel, committed to caring for him personally.

For eight months, Longo provided round-the-clock care, bottle-feeding Peanut and nursing him back to health. His dedication was intensive and heartfelt, creating a nurturing environment crucial for the orphaned squirrel's survival and development. Longo's commitment went beyond basic care, investing time and effort to ensure Peanut not only survived but thrived, forging a strong bond between them.

When Peanut was old enough, Longo attempted to release him into the wild, hoping he would adapt to his natural habitat. However, Peanut returned with a severe injury — half of his tail torn off — leaving him ill-suited for wilderness survival. Faced with the squirrel's fragile condition, Longo made the decision to provide him a permanent home.

After recovering from his difficult start in life, Peanut found a new purpose — delighting audiences worldwide through wholesome pet-themed posts that made many hearts sing. Over the years, he became a beloved social media sensation, earning a devoted following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. His quirky antics, such as nibbling on snacks, leaping onto Mark Longo's shoulder, and curiously exploring his surroundings, captured hearts across the globe.

Peanut's charm was undeniable. His Instagram account alone amassed over 500,000 followers, each eagerly awaiting new posts showcasing the playful squirrel's adventures. (As of this writing, the number of followers had ballooned to 914K.) Fans flooded his pages with adoration, sharing heartfelt reactions to his content. Comments such as "Eeeeeeep!!! Love 🐿️!!" encapsulate the joy Peanut brought to his community.

However, Peanut's fame was bittersweet. Following his tragic death, social media became a battleground for grief and outrage. Heartfelt messages such as "This can't be real" poured in from his followers, reflecting the profound sense of loss. Yet the incident also became deeply politicized, with figures like Vice-President Elect J.D. Vance — who discussed Peanut at a campaign rally in North Carolina — and Elon Musk weighing. Musk criticized the government's actions, declaring on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "The government should not be allowed to barge into your house and kill your pet! That's messed up." Musk questioned the necessity of euthanasia, further fueling the debate.

While Peanut's playful antics brought joy to millions, they also brought scrutiny. Keeping squirrels as pets is illegal in New York State, and Peanut's owner, Mark Longo, did not obtain the necessary licensing to house him legally. Despite Longo's claim that he was in the process of filing paperwork to certify Peanut as an educational animal, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) launched an investigation after receiving complaints about illegally kept wildlife. Navigating the legalities of wildlife ownership is vastly different from adopting domesticated animals, as Peanut's case starkly illustrates.

On October 30, 2024, this investigation culminated in a raid on Longo's Pine City home. NYSDEC officials seized Peanut alongside another pet, Fred the raccoon, citing public health concerns. The seizure sparked outrage among Peanut's fans, many of whom viewed the enforcement as excessive and unjust.

The raid not only disrupted Longo's life but also marked the beginning of a nationwide debate about the ethics of wildlife ownership, the role of government agencies, and the rights of pet owners. As Peanut's fans and animal rights activists rallied to his defense, the incident became a flashpoint, dividing public opinion and drawing widespread attention to Longo's legal battle.

Peanut's story took a devastating turn after his seizure by NYSDEC officials. On the same day he was taken from Mark Longo's home, Peanut was euthanized. Officials claimed the decision was driven by public health concerns, alleging that Peanut had bitten a civilian wildlife biologist during the raid. Since no approved ante-mortem rabies test exists for animals, euthanasia was used to facilitate the screening for the virus. Peanut's cohabitation with Fred, a raccoon — a species considered a high-risk for transmitting rabies — reportedly further influenced the decision.

The revelation that Peanut and Fred both tested negative for rabies, announced on November 12, 2024, only deepened the public outcry. Fans and animal rights advocates questioned why less extreme measures, such as quarantine or observation, were not pursued. Longo described the NYSDEC as treating him like a "terrorist" while speaking to the New York Post, calling out the state's use of force and decision-making as an unnecessary overreach.

Peanut's untimely death became a rallying cry for those advocating for stricter oversight of wildlife enforcement policies. His passing symbolized not just the loss of a beloved pet but also the broader perceived failings of a system some feel is ill-equipped to balance public health concerns with compassion for the animals involved.

Peanut's euthanasia ignited widespread outrage, transforming grief into meaningful action. Social media tributes portrayed him as a symbol of resilience and the human-animal bond.In response, Mark Longo and his wife, Daniela Bittner, filed a notice of intent to sue the State of New York, alleging unlawful search and seizure. Their case prompted the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to launch an internal policy review. Additionally, New York Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz introduced "Peanut's Law: Humane Animal Protection Act," proposing critical reforms to animal seizure protocols. The legislation would mandate a 72-hour waiting period before euthanasia for sanctuary animals, establish emergency appeal rights, and require transparent reporting of seizure outcomes.

The community's response was swift and heartfelt. Supporters rallied around P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, established by Mark Longo. A GoFundMe campaign in Peanut's memory quickly had raised over $250,000 as of December 12, reflecting the deep connection between Peanut and his advocates. Longo expressed profound gratitude for the community support, emphasizing that all funds would directly benefit the sanctuary's animals. "Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no other animals suffer a fate like Peanut and Fred," he wrote.