Key Highlights
Peanut the Squirrel, a social media star, was euthanized after being seized from his New York home by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) due to public complaints about the illegal ownership of wildlife.
- Peanut's owner, Mark Longo, is the founder of P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary and claims he was in the process of filing paperwork to have Peanut certified as an educational animal at the time of the seizure.
- Longo claims the DEC used excessive force during the five-hour raid on his home.
- Congressman Nick Langworthy criticized the DEC on social media for prioritizing the seizure of pet squirrels over "critical needs" like flood mitigation.
- The incident sparked outrage on social media, condemnation from lawmakers, and an internal investigation within New York’s DEC.
Introduction
Peanut the Squirrel is a loved squirrel and a social media star, especially among social media users. He has become part of a sad story that has caught the attention of the internet. It all started as a sweet story about a man who took care of an orphaned squirrel. But it turned into a warning about keeping wildlife, what the government does, and why it's important to know the laws about it. This is the tale of Peanut the Squirrel.
The Heartbreaking Tale of Mark and Peanut the Squirrel
Peanut the Squirrel was very popular on social media. He had a cute and fun way that made him loved by people all over the world. Peanut gained over 692,000 followers on his Instagram account. For seven years, he lived happily with his owner, Mark Longo, in upstate New York, until he was tragically seized by New York State authorities, and Longo spoke to the Associated Press about the incident.
Sadly, Peanut's life ended when officials from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) took him away and put him to sleep. The DEC took this step after receiving reports about people keeping wild animals as pets and concerns about the unsafe living conditions that could expose them to rabies.
Peanut's Rise to Internet Fame
Peanut's rise to fame on social media started when Longo began posting videos of the orphan squirrel on his Instagram account. These fun videos showed Peanut's playful side and the special bond he shared with Longo. The internet quickly grew fond of the cute squirrel. The videos of Peanut showed him doing things that looked very human, like eating snacks, playing hide-and-seek, and even helping Longo with household chores. His big, lively eyes and smooth movements impressed viewers around the world.
As Peanut became more popular, his Instagram account also grew. It turned into a place full of joy and heartwarming moments for millions. Peanut's Instagram gained over 692,000 followers, with many fans looking forward to his new antics and adventures.
The Unforeseen Consequences of Wildlife Domestication
The bond between Longo and Peanut is clear, but the situation shows how complicated dealing with wild animals can be. The law protects wildlife in that they should be cared for by a rehabilitation specialist so that they receive the best care.
I “rescued” a squirrel recently whose mother was killed by either a hawk or bobcat. We had a next on the side of our house, and I realized that after a squirrel was getting very aggressive towards my dogs, chortling at them and, at one point, actually peeing on them from the tree branches above. We thought from the aggressive behavior that Mr. Zelensky (we named him after the Ukrainian leader for his bravery), but the daily discussions between him and the dogs stopped the night we heard all the commotion on the side of the house when the nest was invaded, and Mr. Zelensky (who actually was Mrs) disappeared. Instead, we found a helpless baby squirrel clinging to bricks on the side of our house.
I immediately warmed “Feisty” Zelensky up and went to the pet store and bought KMR (do not do this; it’s the wrong thing). While researching and reaching out for a rehabber, I immensely enjoyed feeding little Feisty. I would have started lactating myself if I could. There is just something so amazing about helping little beings in need. When I finally reached the rehab, they lambasted me for feeding the wrong thing. I was a little put-off, being a veterinarian and all, but I took the lashing and set up a time to drop Feisty off.
I got to the rehabber's address and sat outside wondering if I would see Feisty’s new quarters. Would they be as nice as the stroller I kept him in so that I could wheel him outside in the day near the tree he was born in? How would I know how he was doing? I went to the door, and the rehabber opened it, which was just enough to take Feisty. I was no longer in control, and that felt pretty horrible. But, I was never intended to be in control, and I know that. But it still stung. Before the door shut, I asked if I could please get progress reports. Could they send daily pictures of Feisty? I won’t say I didn’t shed a few tears, but I knew from my lecture that he was joining a tight ship designed to get him back to the wild in the best way possible. I’ve been told squirrels are a lot of fun until they become teenagers. Then, they can be a handful. It’s like they’re “wilding,” and there is no turning back.
I didn’t hear anything and texted for a progress report. I received a picture of Feisty with his new friend. They put him with another juvenile his age. He was cuddled up next to him, taking a nap. She assured me they would be released (my job is done…now go away).
So, is it any surprise that I was a fan of P’Nut and his father, Mark Longo, who posts regularly on Instagram about P’Nut and his raccoon Fred? I’m also fond of raccoons and vividly remember the time when I was an undergraduate Animal Science major at Cornell. As a pre-vet, I had just enough knowledge to be dangerous. A friend and I were driving in an outlying area near the University of Florida when we came upon a raccoon, clearly struggling, in the middle of the road. I quickly pulled over and ran to it, hoping to get it to safety and off the road. It was clearly either hit by a car or neurological. It was a hot day, and I knew I would need help soon if I had to survive.
My friend and I pondered how we could get it to a rehabber or veterinarian who could help it. Sidebar, most veterinrians do not deal with wildlife, they will refer you to a rehabber. This is probably a good place to start anyway, as they will likely have resources to help. I called animal control, and they dispatched someone to help. The lightbulb in my head went off, telling me that this animal was nocturnal and should not be out in broad daylight in the middle of the day. It very well could have Rabies. Yes, I know that Rabies is rare, but chances go up when you are dealing with a bat, skunk, or raccoon. That, I do know.
Mistakes That Lead to Major Problems
Peanut’s dad, Mark Longo, runs P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in upstate New York. When Peanut was taken away last week, Longo said he was in the process of filing paperwork to certify Peanut as an educational animal. However, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) took action and seized Peanut anyway.
Mr. Longo’s error was making P’Nut an internet star along with a raccoon, a known species that can harbor Rabies. I’m sure this caught the neighbor’s attention. Were these animals a risk to anyone? I’m pretty sure they were not. Will the next person inspired by P’nut’s fame scoop up a raccoon in a blanket and inadvertently get bitten? Possibly. I’m sure the powers that be wanted to make a point, but unfortunately, they made one in such a cruel way. But there is a catch. Pet owners should also take heed when it comes to rabies.
Understanding Rabies and Its Impact on Wildlife and Pets
Public Health’s main worry in Peanut's case was the chance of rabies. This is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system. However, it is uncommon for squirrels to pass rabies to people. In fact, I have never heard of a case of this. But the problem was that they claimed P’Nut had bitten one of the people seizing him. Whether or not this actually happened, pet owners take heed. If someone is bitten by an animal that is unvaccinated for Rabies, public health or the person bitten can demand the pet be tested for Rabies. The only way to diagnose Rabies is to euthanize the animal and test it.
Apparently, the Chemung County Department of Health thought this risk was serious enough to put Peanut and the raccoon down. In this case, it wouldn’t have made a difference, especially since P’Nut had bitten someone seizing him. He probably would not have done this if someone familiar had picked him up. So I’m sad for P’Nut and even more sad for Mr. Longo. Public health made it clear that wildlife should be in a rehabber’s hands. And if you want a wild animal as a pet, you really need to consider whether they could survive in the wild or not. Some can and should be released. Others cannot and can find a permanent home. These are the ones that could become internet stars.
So, if you want to help and connect with animals, pursue the proper routes. Become a rehabber. Don’t make them an internet star and draw attention to the situation. And certainly, always be aware of the risks, such as Rabies. Yes, it’s rare but it is fatal and kills 10 people a year in the U.S. and 60-70,000 worldwide each year. When I was in vet school, they showed us video footage of people and animals dying of Rabies. That image is burned in my head. Just because something is rare doesn’t mean it’s not a threat, especially when it is fatal and a horrible way to die.
The Rarity of Rabies in Squirrels Yet the Ever-Present Danger
The Chemung County Department of Health, along with the DEC, pointed out that rabies risk was the main reason for Peanut’s euthanization. Even though rabies in squirrels is rare, they stressed the need to be careful when it comes to possible exposures, especially if a bite occurs. Wildlife rehabilitators and animal control experts say any mammal bite should be taken seriously. If a wild animal, like a squirrel, shows strange behavior, such as being aggressive, confused, or drooling too much, it is best to stay away and call animal control right away. It is also important to know that while squirrels aren’t common carriers of rabies, they can still get the virus from other sick animals like raccoons or bats. This shows how connected wildlife health is and why we need to stay alert to prevent rabies from spreading.
Pet Owner’s Take Heed
Peanut’s story underscores another crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership — vaccination. While there is currently no approved rabies vaccine for squirrels, ensuring your pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations is paramount in safeguarding their health and protecting them in these situations.
As a holistic veterinarian, I encounter people who do not want to vaccinate their pets….period. Of course, these are the minority, as most people want to protect their pets within reason, especially the core vaccinations when they are young, and the risks way outweigh the benefits. Many of them refuse Rabies, however, as it is rare, and they think their indoor pet would never be exposed. Considering that something like one in ten bats collected by Public Health in Los Angeles County harbors rabies, they should take note. And yes, I have fielded a call from a pet owner whose dog picked up a bat and flopped around in the backyard as it was dying.
Thankfully, it was not Rabies. But freak things like this happen all the time! Another time a chiropractor who was anti-vaccination, had found her bulldog with a bat that it was playing with in her office. The dog was covered with slobber from being bitten by the bat but continued to pick it up, mesmerized by its flapping around. In a panic, she opened the door, and off went the bat, never to be tested!!!!! She had never vaccinated the dog herself. Thankfully, we contacted the rescue where she got the dog, and they had vaccinated him for Rabies years prior. We know the vaccine lasts much longer than 3 years (part of the problem and why people are skeptical). Yikes, that one had me sweating bullets. The dog was vaccinated and was fine when all was said and done.
What should you do if you find an orphaned squirrel or other wild animal?
- Assess the Situation: Before intervening, observe the animal from a distance to determine if it is truly orphaned. Many wild animals, especially young ones, may appear abandoned while their parents are nearby foraging for food.
- Do Not Touch: Avoid handling the animal unless absolutely necessary. Wild animals can carry diseases, and human scent can discourage a mother from returning.
- Keep the Animal Safe: If the animal is in immediate danger (e.g., on a road), gently move it to a safer location nearby if safely possible. Keep it close to where you found it.
- Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator: Reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or a local animal rescue organization for guidance. They are trained to handle wild animals and can provide the best advice on what to do next. Some veterinarians may have numbers on hand for rehabbers.
- Follow the instructions given by the rehabber regarding transport.
- Avoid Feeding or Giving Water: Do not attempt to feed the animal or give it water unless directed by a professional. Improper feeding can cause harm. Reference the squirrel story above.
Remember, while it’s natural to want to help, wild animals have specific needs, and the best course of action is often to seek professional help.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Peanut the Squirrel's story reminds us how complex it can be to care for wild animals. Our priority is always to return them to the wild. If they are unable to survive the wild, you must turn them over to a rehabber or become a licensed rehabilitation specialist. We were devastated to see P’Nut euthanized. But the fact that he bit someone and was housed with a raccoon (known to be more likely to harbor Rabies) made public health come down hard on Mr. Longo, in my opinion. Public health departments and government agencies take Rabies very seriously. In this case, I don’t think they liked that P’Nut inhabited a home with a raccoon. I don’t think any other internet squirrel stars ever got raided. It’s all very unfortunate. What a horrible way to send a message to others who might want to make a wild animal an internet star.
Frequently Asked Questions
What made Peanut the squirrel special?
Peanut is a beloved squirrel. He became an internet sensation because of his charming personality. His cute videos made him a social media star. His owner worked hard to have him seen as an educational animal. This showcased Peanut's special traits even more.
Why are squirrels generally not considered a rabies risk?
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and local officials say that squirrels have a low risk of rabies. Their eating habits and biology make it less likely for them to get or spread the virus, especially when we compare them to other animals.
How can pet owners protect their pets from rabies?
Vaccination is the best way to keep pets safe from rabies. This includes cats, dogs, and even pet raccoons. Pet owners should stick to the recommended vaccination schedule. It’s important to talk to their veterinarians. This will help make sure their pets are safe and fully protected.
What steps should you take if your pet interacts with wildlife?
If your pet meets wildlife, please reach out to a wildlife rehabilitator or the Department of Environmental Conservation. They can check what is happening and suggest safety steps to take. This will help you follow the Humane Animal Protection Act and keep your pet safe.
Can wildlife rehabilitation prevent tragic outcomes like Peanut's?
Wildlife rehabilitators are important for helping animals. However, they cannot stop all tragic events, such as Peanut's story. Problems like anonymous complaints can lead to seizing pet squirrels. There are also worries about the use of excessive force. To solve these issues, we need to raise public awareness and look at how to handle situations better. This way, we can focus on the critical needs of animal welfare.
