Instagram's Beloved Squirrel Taken Into Custody by NY Officials for Wildlife Housing Concerns And Euthanized, Guardian Devastated Upon Finding Truth

Internet's favorite squirrel, P'nut had many of his well-wishers worried when the news of him being taken away by New York authorities broke to the world. His guardian Mark Longo, recently announced on P'Nut's social media that his worst fears had indeed come true, and the adorable squirrel was put to death by authorities. Officials are claiming that the euthanization was done to test the animal for rabies, and also urged others who have been in contact with the squirrel to get themselves checked, the New York Post reported.

Longo posted a tribute to his beloved pet on Instagram on November 2. The video features him holding a drawing of P'nut and sobbing alongside his girlfriend.

Longo wrote in the caption, "RIP MY BEST FRIEND. Thank you for the best 7 years of my life. Thank you for bringing so much joy to us and the world. I’m sorry I failed you but thank you for everything." The man goes on to state, that he is in some sort of legal fight with the authorities regarding this decision and also needs financial help with his P’Nuts Freedom Farm.

P’Nuts Freedom Farm is a non-profit organization established by Longo to save animals and give them forever homes. The description on the organization's social media page reads: "A place to live out their best lives in 'Freedom,'" concerning animals. 

P'Nut was rescued by Longo after he saw the squirrel's mother die in front of his own eyes, the New York Post reported. For a while, P'Nut and Longo lived in Connecticut, but later the duo moved to New York where the man established his animal sanctuary. 

A spokesperson for DEC shared that they raided Longo's home after receiving "multiple reports from the public about the potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies and the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets," The Guardian reported. Along with P'nut, the officials also took with them a raccoon, who stayed in the residence.

Longo was shaken by the raid in October, and felt like a criminal through all of the proceedings, The Guardian reported. "The DEC came to my house and raided my house without a search warrant to find a squirrel!" said Longo. "I was treated as if I was a drug dealer and they were going for drugs and guns."

Longo knew about the New York State law, that disbars people from owning a wild animal without proper permissions, The Guardian reported. He was in the process of getting P'Nut certified as an educational animal and was taken aback by this sudden ambushing.

"If we’re not following the rules, guide us in the right direction to follow the rules, you know?" Longo said. "Let us know what we need to do to have Peanut in the house and not have to worry about him getting taken," he exclaimed.

On being asked about Fred the raccoon, Longo stated that he was not meant to stay with his organization for long, The Guardian reported. The animal was injured and his plan was always to rehabilitate Fred and return it to wildlife. 

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) claims that while taking away P'nut, the squirrel bit one of their officials, the New York Post reported. This came as a shock to many, as this violent tendency was not captured in the squirrel's 679k-strong social media account.

Fred was also put down along with P'Nut. "To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized. The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician," the DEC statement read.