The $10 Million Tragedy: 5 Shocking Facts About Peanut The Squirrel’s Viral Seizure And Legacy

The tragic and controversial story of Peanut the Squirrel (also known as P'Nut) remains one of the most significant recent cases of online activism colliding with wildlife law. As of December 10, 2025, the fallout from the beloved internet star's seizure and subsequent euthanasia in late 2024 continues to make headlines, with his owner, Mark Longo, pursuing a massive $10 million lawsuit against New York state authorities. The saga has not only galvanized a massive online community but has also directly led to the proposal of new legislation, underscoring the profound and lasting impact this small eastern gray squirrel has had on the conversation around pet ownership, state regulations, and the ethics of animal seizure. This in-depth article will explore the full timeline, the viral outrage, the key players, and the lasting legal and legislative legacy of Peanut, whose fame transcended his species and whose death became a national flashpoint for animal rights and regulatory accountability. The information here is based on the most current reports and legal filings following the incident.

Peanut the Squirrel: A Complete Biography and Timeline

Peanut, a male eastern gray squirrel, quickly ascended from an orphaned kit to a global internet celebrity, amassing a significant following across social media platforms. His life was a testament to the bond between humans and rescued wildlife, a bond that ultimately led to a dramatic and heartbreaking conclusion.

• Name: Peanut (also known as P'Nut).
• Species: Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).
• Birth/Rescue: Circa 2017. He was found and rescued as a kit by Mark Longo after his mother was tragically hit by a car in New York City.
• Owner/Caretakers: Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner, who ran a sanctuary in Southport, New York, near the Pennsylvania border.
• Fame: Peanut became an internet sensation, the subject of a popular Instagram account that showcased his life as a domestic pet.
• Seizure Date: October 30, 2024. Peanut was seized from Longo's home by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers.
• Euthanasia Date: Soon after the seizure on October 30, 2024.
• Cause of Euthanasia: State officials claimed the seizure was necessary for rabies testing, as keeping wild animals as pets without a license is illegal in New York State, and Peanut had allegedly bitten someone.
• Post-Mortem Finding: Tests later confirmed that Peanut was rabies-negative, intensifying the public outrage and legal action.

The story of Peanut is deeply intertwined with the laws governing the possession of wild animals. In New York, it is illegal to keep a wild animal as a pet without the proper licensing, and the DEC's actions were based on this regulatory framework. However, the online community vehemently argued that the DEC's response was disproportionate, especially given Peanut's long-standing status as a rescued, non-releasable animal and his role in the sanctuary.

The Seizure and the Online 'Maëlstrom of Outrage'

The events of October 30, 2024, ignited a firestorm of controversy that transcended typical online drama, becoming a major news story across the United States. When the news broke that DEC officers had confiscated the beloved squirrel and had him euthanized for rabies testing, the reaction was immediate and overwhelming.

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The core of the controversy centered on the necessity and speed of the euthanasia. Mark Longo and his supporters argued that the DEC acted without due process and that the decision to euthanize the animal immediately, rather than pursuing other options, was an overreach of authority. The DEC officers' union, in contrast, stated that the public had been misled about the circumstances, asserting that Longo and his co-caretaker, Daniela Bittner, did not have the proper licensing and had initially misled investigators about releasing the squirrel into the wild, which was not true.

The online community, fueled by curiosity and empathy for the internet-famous pet, mobilized rapidly. Hashtags related to Peanut trended, and a massive wave of criticism was directed at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This "viral outrage" demonstrated the powerful influence of social media in modern-day activism, turning a local animal seizure into a national debate on wildlife regulations and bureaucratic accountability.

The revelation that Peanut tested negative for rabies only poured gasoline on the fire. Critics argued that the state's actions were not only heavy-handed but ultimately unnecessary, as the primary justification for the immediate euthanasia—to test for rabies—was proven unfounded. This finding became a central pillar in the subsequent legal and legislative pushback against the DEC.

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Peanut's Lasting Legal and Legislative Legacy

The death of Peanut the Squirrel was not the end of his story; it was the beginning of a significant legal and legislative battle that continues to unfold as of late 2024 and throughout 2025. This legacy is primarily defined by the $10 million lawsuit and the proposal of a new state law.

The $10 Million Lawsuit Against New York State

In a bold move, Mark Longo, Peanut's owner, filed a $10 million lawsuit against the New York authorities responsible for the seizure and euthanasia. This high-profile legal action seeks to hold the state accountable for the emotional distress, the loss of a beloved pet, and the perceived violation of rights during the seizure. The lawsuit highlights the perceived negligence and overzealous application of wildlife laws by the DEC officers. The significant monetary claim underscores the seriousness of the case and the determination of Longo to seek justice for Peanut's death.

Legal experts suggest the case will be a landmark moment, potentially setting a precedent for how state agencies handle the seizure of non-traditional pets, particularly those with a public profile. The legal battle is not just about the money; it is about challenging the regulatory power of the state when it intersects with the deeply personal bond of pet ownership.

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The Rise of "Peanut's Law"

Perhaps the most enduring and positive legacy of the controversy is the inspiration for new legislation in New York, colloquially dubbed "Peanut's Law." This proposed bill aims to reform the existing laws regarding the possession and seizure of rescued, non-releasable wildlife. The legislation seeks to create a more compassionate and nuanced framework, potentially allowing individuals who rescue and care for wild animals—and who have a demonstrable history of responsible care—to obtain special permits or face less severe penalties than immediate seizure and euthanasia.

The push for "Peanut's Law" reflects a growing recognition that not all wildlife-as-pet situations are the same. A non-releasable animal that has been socialized and cared for over many years, like Peanut, presents a different scenario than a newly captured wild animal. The proposed law is a direct response to the public outcry and aims to prevent similar tragedies, ensuring that the regulatory process is both fair and humane. The debate over this legislation involves various entities, including animal rights groups, wildlife rehabilitators, and state lawmakers, all attempting to find a balance between public safety, wildlife conservation, and animal welfare.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords Related to Peanut the Squirrel

The extensive media coverage and public debate surrounding Peanut's story have generated a wealth of related entities and keywords that define the conversation:

• Key Individuals: Mark Longo, Daniela Bittner.
• Government Agencies: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York State Legislature.
• Legal/Legislative Terms: $10 Million Lawsuit, Peanut's Law, Wildlife Possession Laws, Animal Seizure, Due Process, Rabies Testing.
• Animal Welfare Terms: Eastern Gray Squirrel, Rescued Wildlife, Non-Releasable Animal, Animal Sanctuary, Euthanasia.
• Cultural Impact: Viral Outrage, Online Activism, Meme Coin (PNUT), Internet Celebrity Pet.

The story of Peanut the Squirrel serves as a powerful cautionary tale and a catalyst for change. While his life was cut short, the resulting legal challenge and the proposed "Peanut's Law" ensure that his influence on wildlife policy and the rights of pet owners will be felt for years to come.