Famous social media squirrel seized after anonymous complaints | American news

A squirrel that became famous on social media has been seized in a raid, with the animal’s owner fearing New York authorities will euthanize it.

The squirrel, named Peanut, was rescued by Mark Longo seven years ago after he saw his mother hit by a car in New York City.

With more than 533,000 followers on Instagram, the unusual pet could be seen wearing a cowboy hat, nibbling on waffles, jumping through hoops and sitting on the 34-year-old’s shoulder.

After a number of anonymous complaints, however That of New York The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from the man’s home in Pine City on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the state agency said it has received “multiple reports from the public regarding the potentially unsafe housing of wild animals that can transmit rabies and the illegal keeping of wild animals as pets.”

Mr Longo, who runs an animal sanctuary inspired by his squirrel called P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, said: “The DEC came to my house and raided my house without a search warrant to find a squirrel!

“I was treated like I was a drug dealer and they were going to get drugs and guns.”

The squirrel’s owner added, “I don’t know if Peanut is still alive…I don’t know where he is.”

The DEC spokesperson did not comment on whether the squirrel had been euthanized.

After bringing the squirrel to his former home in Norwalk, Connecticut, Mr. Longo raised Peanut for eight months before attempting to release him into the wild.

But nearly two days later, the wildlife officer found the squirrel “sitting on my porch with half its tail missing and its bone sticking out” and determined it could not survive in the wild.

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He also suggested on Instagram that social media users reported the squirrel to the DEC, saying, “Well internet, you won.

“You took one of the most amazing animals from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there is a special place in hell for you.”

It is against New York state law to own a wild animal, such as a squirrel, without a permit. Mr. Longo said he was aware of this and was filing paperwork to certify Peanut as an educational animal before the raid.

He added, “If we don’t follow the rules, guide us in the right direction to follow the rules, you know?”

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Mr Longo has since launched a petition and fundraiser calling for Peanut’s return.

Sky News has contacted the DEC for additional comment.