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Peanut the Squirrel, beloved pet and internet sensation, executed by New York State
Tennessee

Peanut the Squirrel, beloved pet and internet sensation, executed by New York State

According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, Internet-famous squirrel Peanut was euthanized after the pet was confiscated by New York State earlier this week.

The seven-year-old gray rescue squirrel, commonly referred to as “P’Nut” on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, was killed along with Fred the raccoon so the animals could be tested for rabies, the agency said in a statement obtained by WETM.

Peanut, a 7-year-old squirrel, was executed by New York State after being confiscated for rabies, according to the Department of Environmental Protection. AP

Peanut’s guardian Mark Longo took to Instagram to remember his beloved pet in a video.

Through tears, Longo, with his girlfriend by his side, said, “Peanut was the best thing that ever happened to us.”

Peanut, just a little guy, fits comfortably into a baseball cap. Instagram

“Tear apart 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 for letting you down, but thank you for everything,” Longo wrote in a caption to the post announcing Peanut’s death.

Longo also asked fans for financial help for a “legal battle” and for his nonprofit P’Nut’s Freedom Farm.

The DEC alleges that Peanut, who has been particularly docile and friendly throughout his very public life, bit one of the investigators on the hand as he was being seized from his Elmira home on Wednesday.

Peanut had a healthy appetite and was known to eat waffles. Instagram

“In addition, a person involved in the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized. The animals will be tested for rabies and anyone who has had contact with these animals is strongly advised to consult their doctor,” the DEC statement said, according to WETM.

Peanut was rescued by guardian Mark Longo after the Connecticut native witnessed P’Nut’s mother being hit by a car.

Longo rescued Peanut when he was a cub after witnessing his mother being killed by a car. Instagram

The resilient and lovable Peanut inspired Longo to move to upstate New York last year and start P’Nut’s Freedom Farm, an animal shelter and rescue operation.

On Wednesday, Peanut and Fred the raccoon were seized by the Department of Environmental Conservation after receiving several anonymous complaints about wild animals at the Longo home.

Peanut was particularly docile and kind throughout his very public life. AP

“Well internet, you WON,” Longo wrote in a caption after the animals were confiscated. “You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness.”

“To the group of people who called DEC, there is a special place in hell for you,” Longo added.

In a statement to The Post on Wednesday, the DEC said it was responding to complaints about a rabies vector species present at the home, Fred the raccoon.

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