Peanut the squirrel, a social media sensation with over 500,000 followers, is at the center of a heated dispute after authorities seized him from his caretaker, Mark Longo. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) conducted a raid following complaints about potentially unsafe living conditions for Peanut and concerns he could carry rabies.
In an emotional Instagram post, Mr. Longo expressed his frustration with the individuals who reported him, calling them out for their actions. He later shared that a petition demanding Peanut’s return had gathered over 20,000 signatures and that he was working to fundraise for legal help.
Mr. Longo rescued Peanut seven years ago after discovering him abandoned, nursing him to health until he was strong enough to be released, only to find him back on his porch soon after with an injury. The DEC also confiscated another animal, a raccoon named Fred, during the raid. As the investigation continues, the fate of Peanut remains in limbo, leaving fans worried about their furry friend.
