Peanut, the Instagram-famous squirrel that was seized from its proprietor’s house Wednesday, has been euthanized by New York state officers.

The New York State Division of Environmental Conservation took Peanut, in addition to a raccoon named Fred, on Wednesday after the company realized the animals had been “sharing a residence with people, creating the potential for human publicity to rabies,” it mentioned in a joint assertion with the Chemung County Division of Well being.

Each Peanut and Fred had been euthanized to check for rabies, the assertion mentioned. It was unclear when the animals had been euthanized.

The assertion mentioned one of many officers concerned within the investigation into Peanut and Fred was bitten by the squirrel.

Officers are “coordinating to make sure the safety of public well being associated to the unlawful possession of untamed animals which have the potential to hold the rabies virus,” in line with the assertion, which additionally inspired anybody who has been in touch with the animals to speak to their physician.

It’s unlawful to maintain younger wildlife as pets, in line with the DEC.

Peanut had been residing with proprietor Mark Longo for seven years, since Longo mentioned he noticed Peanut’s mom get hit by a automobile in New York Metropolis.

Longo introduced Peanut him house, in the end caring for the squirrel for eight months earlier than making an attempt to launch it again into the wild. He mentioned Peanut returned to his porch a day and a half later with a damaged bone protruding of its tail, at which level Longo decided Peanut could not survive within the wild alone and as an alternative would transfer in with him.

Since then, Peanut has gained over the web’s hearts, amassing 537,000 followers on his Instagram web page run by Longo. Movies on the web page present Peanut snacking on waffles and welcoming Longo house when he walks by way of the entrance door.

Fred, the raccoon, was a newer addition to Longo’s house.

In a tearful video posted to Peanut’s Instagram account Friday, Longo held a portrait of his pet and thanked followers for his or her assist.

“Peanut was the very best factor that ever occurred to us,” Longo mentioned by way of tears. “I need to proceed to battle this battle as a lot as I can however we’d like all of you to return collectively and assist us.”

The caption of the video reads: “RIP MY BEST FRIEND. Thanks for the very best 7 years of my life. Thanks for bringing a lot pleasure to us and the world. I’m sorry I failed you however thanks for the whole lot.”

A number of nameless complaints led DEC officers to Longo’s home in Pine County, New York, on Wednesday, prompting Longo to plead for his pet’s launch.

“Properly web, you WON. You took some of the superb animals away from me due to your selfishness. To the group of people that referred to as DEC, there’s a particular place in hell for you,” Longo wrote on Peanut’s Instagram Wednesday.

Longo and his spouse moved to Upstate New York final 12 months to begin P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, which is known as for his pet and formally opened in April 2023. The sanctuary homes greater than 350 rescues and has been relying “closely” on donations from Peanut’s on-line followers to assist extra animals, Longo mentioned within the Instagram put up Wednesday.

Longo requested followers Friday to assist by donating cash to the “ongoing authorized battles” and to their nonprofit “so we will maintain Peanut’s title alive.”