Mark Longo, who called Peanut the Squirrel his pet for this past seven years, described the New York's decision to seize and euthanize the wild animal turned social media star a "disgrace." "What happened today and what transpired throughout this week has been nothing short of a tragedy and a disgrace to the New York state,

This undated image provided by Mark Longo shows his pet squirrel Peanut that was seized by officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation, at Longo's home in rural Pine City, N.Y., Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. (Courtesy Mark Longo via AP) AP

This story was updated to add a statement from the DEC. PINE CITY, N.Y. (WETM) — A popular pet squirrel from the Elmira area who inspired his owner to start an animal sanctuary was seized by the DEC on Wednesday morning.

An upstate New York squirrel beloved by hundreds of thousands of social media followers was seized and euthanized by state officials earlier this week. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Chemung County Department of Health announced through a statement on Friday afternoon that both a squirrel and racoon confiscated from a residence on Wednesday had been euthanized to test for rabies,

A New York State Assemblyman has introduced a new law after an internet-famous squirrel was euthanized in Upstate New York.

It has not been announced that the bomb threats correlate with the seizure and euthanasia of Peanut the Squirrel.

Internet-famous Peanut the squirrel was euthanized after NY wildlife officials seized him from his owner’s home, sparking widespread outrage and forcing state offices to close amid bomb threats. Learn what led to the viral pet’s controversial death.

Kamala, a beloved elephant at the National Zoo, was laid to rest on Saturday in Washington, D.C., sparking a barrage of jokes about the absurd timing.