Peanut the Squirrel was taken from his home on Nov. 1 by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and, along with Fred the Raccoon, was euthanized.
Mark Longo, Peanut’s caretaker, he was surprised when the agency raided his home. The agency got complaints that he was keeping wildlife illegally.
Peanut and Fred were put down so they could be tested for rabies.
Longo has been taking care of Peanut since the Squirrel’s mother was hit by a car seven years ago. Peanut has an Instagram page showing them doing tricks and in various costumes.
Meanwhile, Fred the Raccoon was dropped off at Longo’s doorstep a few months ago. Longo said that he and his wife were planning to release Fred into the woods after treating his injuries.
Longo set up a GoFund Me page to hold the environmental agency accountable and also wants to advocate for a more compassionate way of handling wildlife.
