In a quiet upstate New York town, New York environmental officials executed a warrant at the home of a popular social media squirrel named Peanut, finding him in a bathroom and his companion Fred, a raccoon, in a suitcase in a closet. Both animals, who had become unlikely celebrities, were euthanized shortly thereafter. This event turned Peanut into a symbol of government overreach, even drawing mention from political figures like Republican vice presidential hopeful JD Vance during a rally prior to the presidential election. The situation led to angry communications and even bomb threats directed at state and local officials.
How did a series of incidents in a relatively obscure area escalate to such dramatic heights? Information obtained through freedom of information requests reveals that the P’nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary was initially on the radar of the state Department of Environmental Conservation without much concern. However, this changed abruptly after fresh complaints and reports emerged about raccoons at the sanctuary. Officials had prepared for the possibility of euthanizing the animals for rabies testing before the actual seizure, despite also considering rehoming Peanut.
Peanut’s backstory helped amplify public interest. He gained fame as the quirky inhabitant of the sanctuary managed by Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner near the Pennsylvania border. Known for antics captured in videos like nibbling on waffles or donning a tiny cowboy hat, Peanut was a New York City rescue, discovered after a car accident tragically ended his mother’s life. Despite state laws against keeping wild animals without proper licensing, Longo and Bittner were pursuing credentials to become wildlife rehabilitators. Meanwhile, Fred the raccoon became part of the household the previous summer. While their spirited online presence delighted many, they also attracted scrutiny from critics and state wildlife authorities.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) had been aware of the sanctuary since early 2024. Documentation indicates an incident report about Peanut being exhibited as a pet for publicity. Complaints from a self-identified wildlife rehabilitator and former neighbor commenced a chain of reports about the animals’ treatment. Despite a conservation officer dismissing the severity of Peanut’s situation initially, the tides turned as more grievances and Fred’s presence — a known rabies carrier risk — were reported. Engaging with social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, DEC workers coordinated actions with the Chemung County health department.
A collaboration between state environmental officials and the county’s health department addressed rabies risks contingent on euthanizing the animals for brain tissue examination, in line with standard protocols. Five days before the seizure, a request to test for rabies came with the expectation of needing to put down the animals due to the human-animal contact occurring at the sanctuary.
On the morning of October 30, over a dozen authorities descended upon Longo’s property. Despite initially claiming Peanut was relocated to Connecticut, Longo admitted the stress-induced falsehood later. Meanwhile, Fred’s hiding spot in an upstairs closet was exposed, and the raccoon was safely extracted. Peanut’s resistance, biting a gloved wildlife biologist, highlighted the heightened tension of the operation. Longo’s protests during Peanut’s removal, citing financial reliance on the squirrel, were documented amid the chaotic scene.
The debate concerning Peanut’s euthanization hinges on the perception of unnecessary lethality. Longo argues that governmental intentions were clear from the onset, referencing foreknown testing requirements. Nonetheless, DEC efforts to secure a rehabilitator for Peanut reflected the potential for alternatives.
Ultimately, a post-seizure call sealed Peanut’s doom. An official’s determination necessitated testing, given the close contact with humans and a confirmed animal bite incident. Local officials proceeded following state protocols despite their regret over the decision’s inevitability. Rabies tests, yielding negative results, were quietly reported two weeks post-incident.
Meanwhile, Peanut’s story had captured global headlines. Bomb threats were made, and government channels overflowed with outraged communications. The DEC responded by conducting an internal review, resulting in commitments to elevate public safety measures with enhanced protection and development of body camera policies for officers.
“We have carefully reviewed all the public feedback and we understand the distress caused to communities throughout the state,” acknowledged Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton in an official statement, recognizing the need for improved actions in future operations.