The Story of Peanut the Squirrel: Why He Was Euthanized

Peanut, a gray squirrel raised by Mark Longo in New York, became famous on social media, where Longo shared Peanut's journey as a rescued squirrel. Originally adopted after his mother was killed, Peanut had grown into a beloved pet, but in New York, keeping wild animals like squirrels is prohibited without proper permits. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) intervened after complaints were filed, stating that Peanut was a health risk as a “rabies-vector species,” even though he showed no signs of illness.

Despite Peanut’s social media fame and Longo’s efforts to obtain exceptions or permits, the DEC held firm. Their regulations aim to prevent rabies transmission from wild animals, even those raised domestically. New York law is especially strict with wild animals like squirrels, raccoons, and bats, which are seen as potential rabies carriers. Peanut was seized and placed in the custody of the DEC, where he was ultimately euthanized, causing a public outcry among his fans and sparking debate over the legal and ethical aspects of keeping wildlife as pets.

The case of Peanut highlights a growing conversation about the laws governing wild animals as pets. While some argue that animals like Peanut, domesticated and raised in safe conditions, should be exempt, public health officials stress the importance of standardized rules to prevent disease. Peanut’s tragic story has also raised awareness about the risks of keeping wild animals and the need for greater clarity in wildlife ownership laws.