Peanut, the internet-famous black squirrel with over 537,000 followers on Instagram, has been euthanized, New York authorities confirmed on Friday. The decision follows an incident where Peanut reportedly bit a government staffer during an inspection, leading to concerns about rabies exposure.
Peanut’s rise to fame was nothing short of remarkable. Rescued by New Yorker Mark Longo after witnessing its mother being hit by a car, Longo bottle-fed the baby squirrel and cared for it for seven years. Peanut became a beloved figure online, captivating audiences with posts showcasing his antics, including nibbling on waffles and dressing up in cute costumes under the Instagram handle @peanut_the_squirrel12.
Longo expressed his devastation over Peanut’s euthanization, posting on Instagram, “Internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness.” He conveyed his shock and disbelief, describing Peanut as his best friend and lamenting the loss of such a unique companion.
The Chemung County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) explained that both Peanut and a raccoon living with Longo were euthanized to test for rabies. “On October 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies,” the DEC stated. The authorities further urged anyone who had been in contact with the animals to seek medical advice.
Following the euthanization, Longo indicated that he plans to continue advocating for animal rights and called on supporters to assist with his legal bills and efforts to establish an animal sanctuary. He remains determined to honor Peanut’s memory, emphasizing the ongoing fight for animals like Peanut who find themselves in precarious situations due to human interactions.
Sources By Agencies
