Peanut the Squirrel, a social media sensation whocaptured the heartsof thousands of fans on social media, waseuthanizedearlier today (November 1).

“It has been aterrible nightmarefor me,” saidMark Longo, Peanut’s owner, after uploading an update video on Instagram, where more than 534,000 fans of the squirrel joined him in expressing their sorrow over the pet’s untimely passing.

Peanut was taken from Longo’s house in Pine City, New York, on Wednesday (October 30), alongside another one of his pets, a raccoon, after a rabies diagnosis forced the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to confiscate them for testing.

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Image credits:Peanut The Squirrel

Despite Mark’s attempts to release the squirrel back into the wilderness, Peanut returned home every time, eventually becomingpart of the family.

Upon Peanut’s seizure, his supporters launched aGoFundMecampaign petitioning for the squirrel to be brought home, and for the DEC to be reformed. As of today, the website has accumulated over 28,000 signatures and raised over $12,500 in funds.

Before the squirrel’s fate was confirmed, Mark expressed his concern and uncertainty on social media, hoping that his pet would be returned to him safely. After the news broke, he uploaded atearful videoholding a hand-drawn portrait of his pet, whom he referred to as his “best friend.”

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“Thank you for the best 7 years of my life. Thank you for bringing so much joy to us and the world,” he wrote, confessing to feeling guilty about not being able to protect Peanut. “I’m sorry I failed you but thank you for everything.”

Peanut’s followers reacted with a mix of rage and frustration, feeling that the squirrel’s life had been taken unjustly and shaming those responsible for reporting the pet’s illness to the authorities.

“This sweet squirrel was living his best life. What the f–k is wrong with people!?” another asked.

As Mark announced through his non-profit,P’nuts Freedom Farmis going to demand accountability from the DEC but gave no specifics as to which measures they intend to take.

“Despite our passionate outcry for compassion, the agency chose to ignore our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and grief,” Mark wrote. “To add to our anguish, they informed the media of their decision before even notifying P’nuts Freedom Farm, his loving home.”

For the DEC, the decision was justified due to the prevalence ofrabiesin raccoons across New York’s Southern Tier. Due to the high risk of contagion, animals displaying symptoms areeuthanizedto collect their brain tissue samples for testing.

Bored Panda has reached out to Mark Longo and the P’nut Farm for comment.

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