7 Shocking Facts About Pnut The Squirrel's Tragic End That Led To A $10 Million Lawsuit

The story of Pnut the Squirrel, the beloved social media phenomenon whose life was tragically cut short, has evolved into a major legal and political controversy that continues to dominate headlines as of December 2025. What began as a heartwarming tale of a rescue animal turned internet celebrity quickly devolved into a bitter legal battle against the New York State government, shining a spotlight on wildlife laws and regulatory overreach.

The controversy surrounding Pnut’s seizure and subsequent euthanasia by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in late 2024 sparked national outrage, transforming the tiny Eastern Gray Squirrel into a symbol of government bureaucracy and the fight for animal rights. His caretakers are now seeking a massive settlement, demanding accountability for a decision that shocked his thousands of followers worldwide.

The Tragic Timeline: A Biography of Pnut the Squirrel and His Caretakers

Pnut, also known as Peanut or P'Nut, was an Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) who gained massive internet fame through his popular social media accounts.

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• Name: Peanut (P’Nut)
• Species: Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
• Born: Circa 2017
• Died: Circa October 30, 2024
• Cause of Death: Euthanasia by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for rabies testing.
• Rescuer/Caretaker: Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner.
• Location of Seizure: Southport, New York, near the Pennsylvania line.
• Fame: Star of a popular Instagram account, known for his charismatic videos and interaction with his human family.

Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner: Pnut was rescued as a tiny, orphaned kit by Mark Longo in 2017. Longo, who ran a sanctuary with Daniela Bittner, dedicated his life to caring for Pnut and other rescued animals, including a raccoon named Fred. Their social media channels documented Pnut’s life, turning him into an animal influencer with a loyal global following. The couple's work was widely viewed as a compassionate effort to save and care for wildlife that could not survive on its own.

The Seizure and Shocking Rabies Test Results

The peaceful life Pnut and his caretakers shared was violently interrupted on October 30, 2024. Following complaints that wildlife was being kept illegally, the New York State DEC seized Pnut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon from Longo's home.

The DEC's Justification and Immediate Action

The DEC's primary justification for the seizure and immediate euthanasia was the state's public health law, which mandates that any animal potentially exposed to rabies must be tested. Because keeping a squirrel as a pet is illegal in New York State without a specific license, and because the animal was in close contact with humans, the DEC determined that testing for rabies was necessary to protect public health.

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The Devastating and Ironic Outcome

The seizure and euthanasia created an immediate firestorm on social media, with thousands of followers expressing outrage and grief. The tragedy was compounded just days later when the test results were released. Pnut the squirrel tested negative for rabies. This result confirmed the fears of Pnut’s supporters: the DEC’s action, which was carried out in the name of public safety, was ultimately unnecessary and led to the senseless death of a beloved, healthy animal.

The state's action was widely condemned as an overreach, especially given Pnut’s status as a long-term rescue animal who had lived in a controlled environment for years.

Political Firestorm and the $10 Million Lawsuit

The death of Pnut the squirrel quickly transcended animal welfare, becoming a major political talking point and the subject of significant legal action. The incident was seized upon by political figures, particularly those associated with the MAGA movement, who held Pnut up as a martyr and a symbol of government overreach and bureaucratic heavy-handedness.

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The Introduction of 'Peanut's Law'

The public outcry was so intense that it spurred legislative efforts. Various lawmakers introduced bills aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future, often referred to informally as "Peanut's Law." These legislative efforts sought to create exceptions or more humane protocols for long-term, non-releasable rescue animals that pose no genuine threat to the public, challenging the rigid enforcement of existing wildlife regulations. The debate centered on whether a blanket policy should apply to a squirrel that had been a pet for seven years.

The Owners Pursue $10 Million in Damages

In the wake of the devastating loss, Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner announced they were pursuing legal action against the State of New York. The couple is reportedly seeking a staggering $10 million in damages. The lawsuit argues that the DEC's actions were arbitrary, excessive, and constituted a wrongful taking of property (Pnut was considered property under the law) and caused severe emotional distress to his caretakers.

Longo has stated publicly that he believes "someone was out to get me," suggesting the seizure was not a random act but a targeted action based on complaints or a personal vendetta against his sanctuary operation. The legal battle is ongoing, with Longo and his team providing new proof and pushing forward with their claim, seeking to hold the state accountable for the unnecessary euthanasia of a non-rabid, loved animal.

The Enduring Legacy of Pnut the Squirrel

Pnut's short life and controversial death have left a permanent mark on the conversation surrounding exotic pet ownership, wildlife rehabilitation, and government authority. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of social media fame and strict state laws.

The legacy of Pnut the squirrel is not just a collection of viral videos; it is a catalyst for change. The ongoing $10 million lawsuit and the push for "Peanut's Law" represent a concerted effort to reform outdated regulations that fail to distinguish between genuinely dangerous wild animals and long-term, human-dependent rescues. Pnut's followers continue to demand "Justice for Pnut," ensuring that the memory of the charismatic squirrel will continue to influence public policy and animal welfare debates for years to come.