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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Peanut, the orphaned eastern gray squirrel who became a social-media attraction, was euthanized after New York wildlife officials seized him and a raccoon named Fred from caretaker Mark Longo on October 30, 2024. Longo announced their deaths on November 1, saying, “I’m sorry I failed you.” Both animals later tested negative for rabies.
What happened to Peanut the squirrel?
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers seized Peanut and Fred from Longo’s home and animal sanctuary in Pine City, New York, on October 30, 2024.
Longo said he rescued Peanut in 2017 after the squirrel’s mother was hit by a car in New York City. Peanut became a social-media attraction; E! News reported that his account had more than 500,000 Instagram followers at the time.
In a November 1 post shared through Peanut’s Instagram account, Longo wrote:
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“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 I failed you but thank you for everything.”
The post also asked supporters to help fund efforts to fight the seizure and support P’Nuts Freedom Farm, according to E! News.
Why did New York officials seize Peanut and Fred?
The DEC said it had received multiple public reports about potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies and the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets, according to the Associated Press. New York’s DEC says keeping wildlife as pets is illegal.
Longo acknowledged that possessing a wild animal without a license was illegal in New York and said he was pursuing paperwork to have Peanut certified as an educational animal. DEC licensing guidance says residents may not possess wildlife for rehabilitation until they receive a valid wildlife-rehabilitator license.
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New York’s DEC advises people who find injured or orphaned wildlife to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator rather than raise the animal themselves. See the DEC’s young wildlife care guidance and wildlife rehabilitator licensing guidance.
Why were Peanut and Fred euthanized?
The DEC and Chemung County Department of Health said the animals were euthanized so they could be tested for rabies after Peanut bit a person involved in the investigation. Records later obtained by the Associated Press indicated that Peanut bit the gloved thumb of a DEC wildlife biologist during the search.
Peanut was not diagnosed with rabies. The stated reason for euthanasia was to allow rabies testing after the bite, not because officials had confirmed either animal was infected.
Did Peanut and Fred have rabies?
No. Chemung County officials announced on November 12, 2024, that both Peanut and Fred tested negative for rabies, according to the Associated Press.
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The result was announced nearly two weeks after the seizure, after the animals had been euthanized. The Associated Press reported that they were euthanized so they could be tested for rabies; the dossier does not establish further details about the testing procedure.
What did the DEC say about the investigation?
Officials cited reports concerning potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies and the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets. Peanut’s bite during the search led officials to seek rabies testing.
The case prompted intense backlash online, including bomb threats and abusive messages directed at DEC facilities. In 2025, the agency said it planned to add a deputy commissioner for public protection and develop a body-camera policy for its officers as part of its response and internal review, according to the Associated Press.
What should people do if they find a baby squirrel?
A young squirrel that appears alone is not necessarily abandoned. New York’s DEC advises people to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator about injured or orphaned wildlife rather than keeping or raising it themselves.
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- Keep pets and children away. Avoid encouraging contact with the squirrel.
- Do not keep it as a pet. New York’s DEC says keeping wildlife as pets is illegal.
- Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Use the DEC’s guidance for young wildlife.
- Seek medical advice after a bite or scratch. Wash the wound promptly with soap and water, then contact a healthcare professional or local health department about possible rabies exposure.
Why Peanut’s story raised a broader pet-wildlife issue
Peanut’s popularity made him look like an unusually successful pet, but a squirrel that is comfortable around people is still a wild animal. Social-media videos can hide the practical challenges of caring for wildlife, including appropriate diet, housing, safe handling, disease exposure, and the animal’s ability to return to the wild.
Wildlife rehabilitation is different from private pet ownership. New York requires a valid wildlife-rehabilitator license to possess wildlife for rehabilitation. People who find a squirrel should contact a licensed rehabilitator instead of deciding to keep it themselves.
Peanut’s death left supporters with questions about the seizure and its handling. The confirmed facts are that Peanut bit a DEC wildlife biologist during the search, officials euthanized Peanut and Fred for rabies testing, and both animals tested negative.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Was Peanut the squirrel euthanized?
Yes. New York officials euthanized Peanut after seizing him from Mark Longo’s property on October 30, 2024. Longo announced the deaths on November 1.
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Did Peanut have rabies?
No. Chemung County officials announced on November 12, 2024, that Peanut and Fred both tested negative for rabies, according to the Associated Press.
Why was Peanut euthanized if he did not have rabies?
Officials said Peanut and Fred were euthanized so they could be tested for rabies after Peanut bit a person involved in the investigation. The negative result was announced afterward.
Can people keep orphaned squirrels as pets in New York?
New York’s DEC says keeping wildlife as pets is illegal. The state advises people who find injured or orphaned wildlife to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
What should I do if a squirrel bites or scratches me?
Wash the wound promptly with soap and water and contact a healthcare professional or local health department about possible rabies exposure.
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