Peanut the squirrel euthanized: What we know about New York’s famous rodent

PEANUT was a much-loved pet squirrel who captured the hearts of millions on social media.

But fears emerged in late October 2024 that the charismatic rodent had been euthanized — here's everything we know.

The squirrel had become an internet sensation through his endearing antics and close bond with his human caretaker, 34-year-old Mark Longo.

Peanut has amassed more than three million social media followers.

He had an impressive 535,000 followers on Instagram and a further 424,000 on Facebook as of November 2024.

Peanut was also recognized as the first squirrel to gain over one million — and later two million — followers on TikTok.

Peanut's story

Peanut's journey began in 2017 when Mark discovered him as a five-week-old orphan after his mother was hit by a car.

He nursed the young squirrel back to health, but when attempts to release Peanut back into the wild proved unsuccessful, he became a permanent member of Mark's family.

Over the years, Peanut and Mark's relationship blossomed, with the pair sharing domestic life and amusing adventures that captivated online audiences.

The squirrel was involved with everything from workout videos to non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

NFTs are digital works, such as art or music, which are stored on the blockchain and cannot be replicated — so each NFT is unique to whomever owns it.

Peanut could open packages, cashew nuts and milk cartons all by himself, and is regularly seen climbing all over his owner.

Their connection inspired Mark to establish P'Nut's Freedom Farm, an animal rescue organization named after his furry companion located in New York state.

Seizure

On October 30, 2024, Peanut's life took a dramatic turn when officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) arrived at Mark's home and seized the squirrel.

“The DEC came to my house and raided my house without a search warrant to find a squirrel!” Mark said.

“I was treated as if I was a drug dealer and they were going for drugs and guns.”

The officers left with Peanut, and also took a raccoon named Fred, a more recent addition to the family.

DEC told The U.S. Sun in a statement: "Following multiple reports from the public about the potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies and the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets, DEC conducted an investigation.

"DEC’s investigation is ongoing and additional information will be provided as it becomes available."

Outrage

The seizure of Peanut sparked widespread concern and outrage among his followers and animal lovers.

Mark wrote on Instagram: “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness.

"To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you.”

Mark said he fears that Peanut has been euthanized in a telephone interview on October 30, 2024.

He said, “I don’t know if Peanut is alive. I don’t know where he is.”

Sad fate

On October 30, 2024, the DEC euthanized Peanut.

The agency said it put the squirrel down after he bit an official involved in the seizure.

They also euthanized a raccoon named Fred that they took from Mark’s property.

Mark has accused the agency of using excessive force when they came to his home and took Peanut and Fred on October 30.

He swore to take legal action in a social media post with the hashtag “Justiceforpeanut”.

As of November 5, a GoFundMe launched by Mark has so far raised $1930,325 (£147,000).

Backlash

On November 3, while campaigning in Sanford, North Carolina, Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance said the Republican White House nominee was “fired up” about Peanut’s death.

He said told supporters: “The same government that doesn't care about hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrant criminals coming into our country, doesn't want us to have pets. It's the craziest thing."

Republican New York congressman Nick Langworthy also took to social media over to express his frustration with the "unannounced raid".

The lawmaker said the state's Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, had "misguided priorities".

He posted: “In New York State, we have sanctuaries for illegal immigrants while innocent pets are killed," he wrote on social media.

In a series of posts on Twitter/X, tech billionaire Elon Musk weighed in on the case of Peanut the squirrel.

He wrote: “Government overreach kidnapped an orphan squirrel and executed him.”

He added: “The government should leave people and their animals alone.”

Musk later likened Peanut’s death to the plot of action revenge thriller John Wick.

He said: “John Wick just wanted peace, but then [they] killed his innocent, beloved dog.”

Conservative filmmaker Robby Starbuck also posted: “Reminder: Kamala’s party executed a cute pet squirrel named Peanut this week because they’re lunatics. Vote Trump to avenge Peanut!

He added: “Serious note: If Trump works Peanut into his speech with a RIP graphic behind him, this race is officially over. We want justice for Peanut!”