The Peanut the Squirrel confiscation and controversy, explained

Welcome to FTW Explains, a guide to catching up on and better understanding stuff going on in the world. Are you hearing about a squirrel that got confiscated and people on social media are losing their minds over it? And you’re confused? If so, we’re here to help.

That’s pretty much it. There’s a famous squirrel that just got confiscated, and people are up in arms about it. We’ll see how this story continues to develop, but for now, we’re here to help you learn more about a squirrel that goes by the name of Peanut.

Let’s dive in:

Wait, what’s that about Peanut the Squirrel?

Peanut the Squirrel is a much-followed social media star that also goes by PNUT. He belongs to a guy named Mark Longo. Peanut does some tricks, jumps on Longo and has been seen eating this like waffles.

What happened to Peanut the Squirrel?

Longo reported that the New York Department of Environmental Conservation showed up, took Peanut and it sounds like he was told that the squirrel would be euthanized.

“Peanut has been my best friend. He’s been the center of my world and many of yours for so long, I don’t know how to process this, emotionally,” he wrote.

Why was Peanut taken?

Per a statement from the department to USA TODAY:

“Following multiple reports from the public about the potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies and the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets, DEC conducted an investigation. DEC’s investigation is ongoing and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.”

Is anyone trying to get Peanut back?

Yes. There’s a GoFundMe and a Change.org petition. Longo thanked everyone for the support.