In brief
Mark Longo's pet squirrel, Peanut, who has captivated 500,000 followers on Instagram, has been seized by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation after housing safety complaints. Longo is mobilizing support to regain custody and address concerns raised by authorities.
In a shocking turn of events, Peanut, the internet-famous squirrel with a staggering 500,000 followers on Instagram, was seized by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) after authorities received complaints pertaining to his housing conditions. The incident has stirred public outcry, with Peanut's caretaker, Mark Longo, publically condemning those who reported him, asserting that there is "a special place in hell" for them. In his Instagram announcement, Longo expressed his deep concern for the squirrel's welfare, questioning whether Peanut has been euthanized.Longo is not backing down; he has initiated a petition calling for the return of Peanut, which garnered over 20,000 signatures within just a few days. Furthermore, he has started a fundraising effort to cover his legal expenses in the battle against the DEC.The DEC launched an investigation after receiving reports indicating that wildlife might be living in potentially unsafe conditions. They cited worries about the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets, particularly because of the potential rabies transmission that can occur with wild animals. However, details pertaining to Peanut's current condition have not been disclosed by the DEC.Longo recounts that he took Peanut in seven years ago after he discovered the infant squirrel abandoned near its deceased mother. After nursing Peanut back to health, he claimed the squirrel returned to him, severely injured, and the two have since formed an inseparable bond.Peanut's Instagram account features an array of captivating videos showcasing his playful antics, including skits with Longo, wardrobe changes involving hats, and cute moments often involving waffles. Alongside the seizure of Peanut, authorities also confiscated a raccoon named Fred, which Longo had recently adopted, further complicating the situation. The fate of Peanut and the public's fervent support remain at the forefront as new developments arise.
