Peanut the squirrel euthanized by DEC to test for rabies

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) — Peanut the squirrel, an internet sensation that sparked an animal sanctuary in Pine City, was euthanized this week after being seized from his home along with a rehabilitating raccoon, a statement from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation confirms.

The statement released by the DEC on Friday, Nov. 1, confirms that both animals were euthanized to test for the presence of rabies, saying:

The Chemung County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are coordinating to ensure the protection of public health related to the illegal possession of wild animals that have the potential to carry the rabies virus. On Oct. 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies. In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized. The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician.

Statement from the DEC Press Office

18 News reached out to Peanut's owner, Mark Longo, before the publication of this article only to find out that the DEC or any other official had not contacted Longo saying the animals were euthanized.

The animals were seized on Wednesday, Oct. 30, during a search warrant of Longo's Pine City home where DEC officers searched the property for more than five hours.