Peanut the black squirrel, an internet sensation with 537,000 Instagram followers, was euthanized by New York authorities, prompting an outcry from his heartbroken owner, Mark Longo, and sparking social media debates. Peanut first entered Longo’s life as a baby squirrel after his mother was killed by a car. Longo rescued and bottle-fed him, but despite attempts to release Peanut into the wild, the squirrel remained with him, having lost part of his tail. Peanut spent seven years with Longo, charming followers worldwide with antics like munching on waffles and donning tiny costumes on his Instagram account, peanut_the_squirrel12.
Outrage Over Euthanasia Decision
The Chemung County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reported that Peanut and a raccoon living with Longo were euthanized to test for rabies after Peanut bit a government staffer during an investigation. “On October 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies,” said a DEC statement. Authorities emphasized public safety and advised anyone exposed to the animals to seek medical consultation. Longo, however, expressed grief and anger, accusing social media complainants of leading to Peanut’s death. “Internet, you WON,” he wrote on Instagram. “You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness.”
Elon Musk Defends Peanut’s Owner
X CEO Elon Musk added his voice to the controversy, extending condolences to Longo. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “President @realDonaldTrump will save the squirrels 🐿️ 😢 RIP P’Nut,” suggesting that a future Trump presidency would support animal owners. Musk also criticized government intervention, tweeting, “The government should leave the people and their animals alone,” further intensifying debates on wildlife and pet ownership laws. Longo, meanwhile, vowed to continue fighting, asking supporters to help fund legal bills and support his plans for an animal sanctuary.
