In brief
Peanut, the popular squirrel with a massive Instagram following, was taken by the DEC, igniting outrage and a legal battle led by his caretaker.
In a surprising development involving social media fame and wildlife regulations, Peanut the squirrel, who has captured the hearts of 500,000 Instagram followers, has been seized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The authorities conducted a raid on the home of Mark Longo, Peanut's caretaker, following complaints regarding the animal's living conditions, which were deemed potentially unsafe.Longo expressed his frustration through a post on Instagram, condemning those who reported him. He stated, "To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you." He added uncertainty regarding Peanut’s wellbeing, fearing the worst possible outcome following the seizure.A petition advocating for Peanut's return quickly gained traction, amassing over 20,000 signatures by Friday morning. Longo is actively seeking financial support to cover legal costs associated with fighting the DEC’s decision. The agency confirmed that they launched an investigation based on multiple complaints relating to the illegal possession of wildlife and concerns about rabies exposure.The exact condition of Peanut remains unclear, as the DEC has not disclosed any further information. Longo initially rescued Peanut seven years ago when he found the injured baby squirrel abandoned by its deceased mother. He nursed Peanut back to health, but the animal later returned to Longo’s porch, having sustained further injury, which led to a close bond being formed between the pair.Peanut's Instagram account is known for its charming videos showcasing playful antics, often featuring the little critter dressed in humorous outfits, interacting with Longo, and indulging in his favorite waffles. During the DEC raid, authorities also confiscated a raccoon named Fred that Longo had recently adopted.As the community rallies behind Longo and Peanut, the incident raises critical questions about wildlife care regulations and the boundaries of social media fame.
