Authorities Seize Internet-Famous Squirrel and Raccoon from Animal Refuge

Paul Longo and his wife, Daniela, love all 300 animals on their farm and animal sanctuary. The most famous of those animals, Peanut the Internet-famous Squirrel and Fred the Raccoon, amassed millions of followers on social media.

The Longos’ world came crashing down when members of the New York Department of Environmental Concern (DEC) seized both animals. Longo took to social media to share the heartbreaking news and plead for their safe return.

Tearing a Family Apart from Internet-Famous Squirrel

Authorities raided the Longos 350-acre farm, named after P’Nut the Squirrel. Paul was in the process of getting Peanut certified as an educational animal when the tragedy unfolded.

“That squirrel was my family, he was my best friend,” Longo shared on Peanut’s Instagram account (@peanut_the_squirrel12).

Longo appeared on a news program (1) where he explained how officials used resources to take both animals and raid his house as if “I were a drug dealer.”

Timeline of Events

The Longos rescued Peanut seven years earlier after seeing his mother get hit by a car in New York City. The Internet-famous squirrel was attacked when trying to reacclimate to the world. Without the necessary wildlife survival skills, the Longos welcomed the squirrel to their family.

Over the years, Paul shared funny and tender videos of the bond shared with Peanut. He trained Peanut to jump, share meals, and more. Thanks to the Longos, Peanut lived his best life for over seven years.

Someone complained anonymously to the DEC, which catapulted the raid on the couple’s property. After seizing both animals, the couple anxiously awaited Peanut and Fred's return safely. Sadly, things took a turn for the worse.

A Fatal Decision is Made

After the six officers removed the squirrel and raccoon from the property, one officer claimed Peanut bit him. In order to test for rabies, authorities euthanized both animals. As of this writing, the agency has not revealed the results of the rabies tests on them.

To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,” the agencies said in a statement, CBS News in New York reported (2). “The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician.”

“Well, internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness.,” Longo shared on Instagram. “Despite our passionate outcry for compassion, the agency chose to ignore our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and grief.”

The outcry from animal lovers and followers of the internet-famous squirrel, Peanut, and Fred the Raccoon is heard worldwide. No other animals were taken, but Peanut and Fred were the only household pets.

Laws About Keeping Wild Animals

Despite their popularity, squirrels are illegal to keep as pets in certain states (3). Wildlife rehabilitator and veterinarian Terri Sutherland (name changed) says squirrels don’t make the best pets for various reasons (4).

She says squirrels have sharp nails and teeth, love junk food, are messy, and are wild animals. Despite these reasons for not owning a squirrel, Longo and others like him share life with them.

Many people are licensed as wildlife rehabilitators and can legally care for squirrels in New York, where Peanut and Fred lived. However, once the squirrels are well, they must be released back into the wild.

Because laws vary from state to state, experts recommend finding a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to care for the animal. While squirrels can bond with humans, experts admit they are difficult to care for in captivity and do not recommend it (5). Florida is one of the few states that allow squirrels to be pets without a permit.

Raccoons are considered a vector species, meaning they are more likely to carry and transmit rabies. In New York and other states, even licensed rehabilitators must have additional requirements to handle raccoons.

What Now for Peanut and Fred’s Legacy?

The DEC has since launched an internal investigation into the tragedy. WETM 18 News obtained a statement regarding the next steps.

“DEC is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of wildlife across New York,” the statement read. “An internal investigation into the matter is ongoing, and we are reviewing internal policies and procedures to ensure we continue serving this core mission.” (6)

Longo keeps Peanut and Fred's love and legacy alive on social media as he awaits answers. Nothing will bring the duo back, but he plans to keep the sanctuary going in their memory. *** Written by: Carol Bryant

Carol Bryant is the founder FidoseofReality.com and SmartDogCopy.com. A pet product expert, Carol is the Past President of the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) and winner of Best Dog Blog. A dog lover of the highest order is how Gayle King introduced Carol when she appeared with her Cocker Spaniel on Oprah Radio’s Gayle King Show to dish dogs. She helps pet, animal, and lifestyle brands achieve copywriting and content marketing success using well-trained words that work and is well-known in the pet industry.