Social media-famous squirrel seized in raid following anonymous complaints | US News

A squirrel who became famous on social media has been confiscated in a raid. The animal's owner fears that New York authorities may euthanize it.

The squirrel named Peanut was rescued seven years ago by Mark Longo after he saw his mother hit by a car in New York City.

With more than 533,000 followers on Instagram, the unusual pet was seen wearing a cowboy hat, nibbling waffles, jumping through hoops and sitting on the 34-year-old's shoulder.

After a series of anonymous complaints New York's The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from the man's Pine City home on Wednesday.

A spokesman for the state agency said it had received “several reports from the public about the potentially unsafe housing of wild animals that could transmit rabies and the illegal keeping of wild animals as pets.”

Mr. Longo, who runs a squirrel-inspired animal shelter called P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, said, “The DEC came to my house and searched my house without a warrant to find a squirrel!”

“I was treated like I was a drug dealer and they wanted drugs and guns.”

The squirrel's owner added: “I don't know if Peanut is still alive… I don't know where he is.”

The DEC spokesman did not comment on whether the squirrel was euthanized.

After Mr. Longo moved the squirrel to his former home in Norwalk, Connecticut, he bred Peanut for eight months before attempting to release him into the wild.

But nearly two days later, the conservationist noticed the squirrel “sitting on my porch with half of its tail missing and its bone sticking out” and concluded it couldn't survive in the wild.

Read more from Sky News:
Australian golfer loses sight in one eye
Blur drummer calls euthanasia law “psychopathic”
Missing parrots found behind family garden

He also suggested on Instagram that social media users should report the squirrel to the DEC, saying, “Well internet, you WON.”

“You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there is a special place in hell for you.”

It is against New York state law to possess a wild animal – such as a squirrel – without a license. Mr. Longo said he was aware of this and had filed paperwork to certify Peanut as a learner animal before the raid.

He added: “If we don't follow the rules, guide us in the right direction to follow the rules, you know?”

Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Keep up to date with the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

Mr. Longo has since launched a petition and fundraiser calling for Peanut's return.

Sky News has contacted the DEC for further comment.