(Scypre.com) – In a tragic twist, the heart-wrenching story of Peanut the Squirrel, a beloved internet-famous pet, has gained massive social media traction following its death at the hands of New York state officials. Peanut, who had become an online sensation for his adorable interactions with his owner, Mark Longo, and an audience of over half a million followers, was recently confiscated by state authorities. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized Peanut, along with another animal—a raccoon named Fred—from Longo’s Pine City animal sanctuary. Located near the Pennsylvania border, the sanctuary was founded by Longo and his wife to provide refuge to animals in need.
According to officials, complaints were lodged alleging that Longo was illegally harboring wild animals. Responding to these complaints, DEC seized the animals and euthanized them shortly after, allegedly to test for rabies. The swift action, which left Peanut’s followers devastated, set off a wave of memes, posts, and expressions of sorrow and anger across social media platforms.
In one widely shared meme, the satirical news outlet The Babylon Bee headlined, “Radicalized Squirrels in MAGA Hats Begin Uprising.” Another viral post likened the incident to the plot of John Wick, the popular film where the protagonist, played by Keanu Reeves, embarks on a vengeful mission after his dog is killed. While some of the posts leaned into dark humor, many were filled with outrage, as supporters expressed frustration at the DEC’s actions.
New York state law mandates that individuals obtain a special license to keep wild animals as pets, a law that the DEC cited as justification for its intervention. Longo, however, contends that he was actively working toward certification that would qualify Peanut as an educational animal. In an emotional interview with TMZ, Longo revealed that Peanut had been part of his family for seven years, ever since he rescued the squirrel after its mother was struck by a car. Peanut refused to return to the wild and instead bonded with Longo and his wife, becoming a fixture of their lives and the inspiration behind their sanctuary, “P’Nut’s Freedom Farm.”
“Peanut was the cornerstone of our non-profit animal rescue,” Longo stated, his voice heavy with emotion. “This raid didn’t just take Peanut’s life—it tore my family apart.”
According to Longo, the raid was carried out by a large group of law enforcement officials, which included DEC officers, in what he described as an overly forceful operation. “It was like they were raiding a drug dealer’s house,” he said. “I was treated like a criminal. They searched every corner of my home, and I wasn’t even allowed to feed my rescue horses during the hours-long ordeal.”
Longo described the harrowing experience, sharing that he was forced to sit outside his home under the watch of the officers while they conducted the raid. “They interrogated my wife about her immigration status and left us feeling humiliated,” he added. “We were treated as though Peanut and Fred were a threat to public safety.”
The event has since sparked outpourings of sympathy, sorrow, and calls for policy reform from across the internet. Social media users from various platforms have been vocal in their support, expressing everything from grief to indignation. Some comments even speculated that Peanut’s life might have been spared if the DEC had issued a warning instead of proceeding with an immediate seizure and euthanization.
Among the prominent reactions to the story was tech billionaire Elon Musk, who shared his condolences in a post featuring an image of Peanut clinging to a smiling Longo. Musk’s caption read, “President Trump will save the squirrels. RIP P’Nut,” accompanied by a crying emoji. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with many expressing deep sorrow for the loss of an animal that brought joy to hundreds of thousands of people.
In a heartfelt video posted to Instagram, Longo fought back tears as he clutched a framed drawing of Peanut. “Peanut was the best thing that ever happened to us,” he told his followers. “RIP to my best friend. Thank you for the best seven years of my life. Thank you for bringing us so much joy.”
Since the incident, questions have emerged about how the DEC and local law enforcement handle cases involving pet wild animals. Some advocates are calling for reforms, suggesting that the government should prioritize finding solutions for such animals, especially when they are well-cared-for and beloved by their communities. The DEC has yet to issue a detailed response regarding their decision to euthanize Peanut and Fred.
Meanwhile, Longo has expressed his determination to honor Peanut’s memory by continuing to run “P’Nut’s Freedom Farm” in his honor. “Peanut was more than just a pet. He was a family member and a symbol of our mission,” Longo said in a message to supporters.
For Peanut’s fans and supporters, this story is more than an isolated incident—it’s become a rallying point for animal rights and compassion for non-traditional pets.