5 Shocking Twists In The Tragic Story Of Peanut The Squirrel And The Law

The story of Peanut the Squirrel is not a simple tale of a rescued animal; it is a complex, viral controversy that, as of December 10, 2025, continues to fuel public outrage and inspire new legislation in New York State. What began as a heartwarming rescue in 2017 culminated in a dramatic seizure by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the squirrel's subsequent, highly-debated euthanasia, exposing a deep rift between animal lovers and state wildlife regulations.

The tragic fate of this Eastern Gray Squirrel and his owner, Mark Longo, has transcended social media fame to become a national conversation about bureaucratic overreach, the ethics of wildlife possession, and the need for reform in animal seizure protocols. The latest developments—including a crucial negative rabies test result and a pending civil lawsuit—ensure that Peanut’s legacy is far from over.

Peanut the Squirrel and Mark Longo: A Profile

The core of the controversy lies in the seven-year bond between a man and a squirrel, a relationship documented for millions of followers across social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

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Peanut (P'Nut) the Squirrel Biography:

• Species: Male Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).
• Rescue Date: 2017, as a kit.
• Rescue Location: New York City, after his mother was struck by a car.
• Owner/Caretaker: Mark Longo.
• Home Location (at time of seizure): Pine City, New York (near the Pennsylvania border).
• Viral Status: An internet sensation with millions of followers, featuring in videos alongside his co-rescued companion, Fred the Raccoon.
• Seizure Date: October 30, 2024.
• Euthanasia Date: Shortly after seizure on October 30, 2024.
• Official Reason for Euthanasia: Mandatory rabies testing due to illegal possession of wildlife and the potential for human exposure to rabies.
• Rabies Test Result: Negative (Confirmed post-mortem).

Mark Longo Profile:

• Role: Rescuer, caretaker, and owner of Peanut and other animals.
• Sanctuary Affiliation: Founder of P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary (a non-profit rescue).
• Legal Stance: Claimed to be in the process of filing paperwork to have Peanut certified as an educational animal, although New York state law generally prohibits keeping wild animals without a specific license.
• Current Action: Pursuing a civil lawsuit against the New York DEC for the seizure and death of Peanut and Fred.

The Seizure and Death: A Viral Outrage and Regulatory Clash

The tranquil life of Peanut and Longo at the P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary was shattered on October 30, 2024, when officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) arrived at Longo's home in Pine City.

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The DEC's action was reportedly triggered by a complaint following a news story about the sanctuary, highlighting the illegal possession of protected wildlife, specifically the Eastern Gray Squirrel and Fred the Raccoon.

Under New York state law, it is illegal to keep wild animals as pets without a special license, as wild animals are considered "property of the people of the state." The DEC’s protocol mandates the seizure and euthanasia of illegally possessed wild animals for rabies testing, particularly if there has been potential human exposure, which the DEC claimed was the case due to the animals' close contact with Longo and his partner, Daniela Bittner.

Longo and Bittner vehemently contested the seizure, claiming the DEC agents used excessive force during the raid and that their beloved pets were taken without due process. The animals—Peanut and Fred—were euthanized shortly after the seizure, a move that immediately ignited a massive firestorm of public backlash and viral outrage across social media platforms.

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The Shocking Rabies Test Results and Legal Fallout

The controversy reached a fever pitch with the release of the official test results. The primary justification for the immediate euthanasia—mandatory rabies testing—was undermined when both Peanut the Squirrel and Fred the Raccoon were confirmed to be rabies-negative.

This tragic twist in the narrative galvanized public opinion further, transforming the incident from a simple regulatory enforcement issue into a perceived act of bureaucratic cruelty. Critics argued that the DEC's haste in euthanizing the animals, despite Longo's claims of their health and his willingness to comply with safety measures, was unnecessary and inhumane.

In the wake of the devastating loss and the negative test results, Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner announced their intention to pursue significant legal action. They are in the process of filing a civil lawsuit against the New York DEC, alleging wrongful seizure, excessive force, and a failure to follow proper protocol.

Longo, supported by his legal team, has criticized the state’s lack of communication and transparency following the incident. The legal fight aims not only to seek justice for Peanut and Fred but also to hold the state agency accountable for what Longo views as a heavy-handed and ultimately fatal enforcement of wildlife regulations. This ongoing legal battle is a central focus of the story's latest updates.

"Peanut's Law": The Legislative Legacy of a Squirrel

Perhaps the most enduring and impactful development from this tragic saga is the introduction of new legislation. The public outcry and media attention surrounding Peanut’s death spurred New York State Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz (R,C-Oyster Bay) to author and introduce "Peanut's Law: Humane Animal Protection Act."

This proposed bill aims to reform the state’s animal seizure and euthanasia protocols. Specifically, "Peanut's Law" would mandate a 72-hour delay before any animal seized by the state for mandatory rabies testing can be euthanized, allowing for a window of time for the owner to seek legal recourse or for alternative testing methods to be considered.

The legislation is a direct response to the perceived lack of humanity and speed with which the DEC acted in Peanut’s case, where the animal was euthanized almost immediately, only for the rabies test to prove negative. Supporters of the bill argue that the law is necessary to prevent similar tragedies and ensure a more humane process when dealing with beloved, though illegally-kept, companion animals.

The push for "Peanut's Law" has been supported by various animal rights organizations and has become a powerful symbol for those advocating for changes in wildlife rehabilitation laws across the state. The widespread media coverage has given the bill significant momentum, turning Peanut’s unfortunate fate into a catalyst for genuine legislative change.

The Topical Authority of Peanut's Story

The narrative of Peanut the Squirrel has evolved into a key case study in several areas of topical authority beyond simple pet ownership. It is now a critical reference point for:

• Wildlife Rehabilitation Ethics: Highlighting the conflicting views between licensed wildlife rehabilitators and individuals who rescue and keep animals without proper certification.
• State Regulatory Overreach: Serving as a flashpoint in the debate over the limits of government authority (specifically the DEC) in enforcing environmental conservation laws in private homes.
• The Power of Viral Activism: Demonstrating how a social media following can rapidly mobilize public opinion and translate into political pressure and legislative action (Peanut's Law).
• Rabies Protocol Review: Forcing a public review of the state's mandatory euthanasia policy for rabies testing, especially when the risk of the disease is low or unproven.

The emotional weight of Peanut's story, combined with the factual revelation of the negative rabies test, has cemented his place in the public consciousness. Longo continues to use his platform to advocate for change, ensuring that the Eastern Gray Squirrel's life and death serve as a lasting lesson in compassion and policy reform. The ongoing legal challenge and the status of "Peanut's Law" are the most critical elements to track in this ever-developing saga.