Heartbreaking Raid on Internet Star! You Have to See What They Did to Peanut the Squirrel!

Mark Longo, a New York resident and devoted animal lover, is grappling with a heartbreaking encounter with local authorities over his pet squirrel, Peanut. This isn’t a typical case involving exotic or dangerous animals but a story of government intervention that’s left the internet reeling and debating the limits of bureaucratic power.

Peanut, a once-wild squirrel, found his way into Longo’s care after his mother was killed by a car. Longo initially hoped to find a wildlife shelter to take in the young squirrel, but when none could, he took on the responsibility himself, bottle-feeding and caring for Peanut. Over time, the bond between them grew, and Peanut became more than just a rescued animal—he became family. “I released him in the backyard, and a day and a half later, I found him sitting on my porch, missing half his tail. So here I am, bawling my eyes out, like, I failed you as your human. And I kind of opened the door, he ran inside and that was the last of Peanut’s wildlife career,” Longo shared.

Peanut’s quirky charm and Longo’s dedication caught the attention of many, and soon Peanut was an online sensation, amassing over 550,000 followers on Instagram. As Longo continued sharing Peanut’s antics and his work rescuing other animals—ranging from horses to geese—his presence on social media grew. Yet, while Peanut brought joy to thousands, his fame brought an unexpected and tragic outcome.

Earlier this week, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers arrived at Longo’s Pine City home, armed with a warrant to seize Peanut. “Ten to twelve DEC officers raided my house as if I was a drug dealer,” Longo described, “I was sat outside my house for five hours. I had to get a police escort to my bathroom. I wasn’t even allowed to feed my rescue horses breakfast or lunch.” His wife also faced questioning about her immigration status, an odd focus in a raid allegedly concerned with wildlife laws.

Peanut, along with a rescued raccoon in Longo’s care, was taken by the authorities. Heartbreakingly, both animals were euthanized shortly afterward. Officials later claimed that Peanut had bitten someone during the seizure and was therefore tested for rabies, which required his euthanasia. New York law prohibits keeping squirrels as pets, but for Longo and his followers, the law seemed cruelly out of touch. Was Peanut truly a threat? Or was this an instance of government overreach gone too far?

Across social media, the response has been overwhelming, with users rallying around Longo and demanding answers. Outrage poured out from followers and the animal rights community alike, questioning why government resources were directed toward this “threat.” Many wondered why a harmless squirrel was treated as though it were a public menace.

In the wake of the loss, the internet stands united in memory of Peanut. Users have taken to Twitter to honor his memory, with comments ranging from grief to anger at the officials responsible. “Rest in peace, Peanut,” one user posted, echoing the sentiments of thousands who found joy in the little squirrel’s online presence.

Ultimately, this story has become a rallying cry, a reflection of a society questioning where the line should be drawn in government intervention. As Longo and his followers mourn, the world remembers Peanut, not as a “threat,” but as a beloved pet who sparked a conversation about the balance between law, compassion, and common sense.