In a controversial decision, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation euthanized an internet-famous squirrel named P'nut and a raccoon named Fred this week following a rabies scare.
According to the New York Post, P'nut the Squirrel, once a beloved online pet, was put down alongside a raccoon after he bit an investigator, triggering actions due to rabies concerns.
P'nut's gentle and sociable demeanor captured the hearts of internet users worldwide, making him a well-loved figure. Social media featured his fame, with pictures showing him in a tiny cowboy hat or snuggled in a baseball cap. Mark Longo rescued P'nut, a gray squirrel, seven years ago after a vehicle tragically killed his mother, becoming his guardian.
Longo raised P'nut in his home, which led him to create a refuge called "P'Nut’s Freedom Farm" in upstate New York, inspired by the squirrel's influence on his life. However, the situation took a dire turn when multiple anonymous complaints about wild animals at Longo's residence prompted the Department of Environmental Conservation to intervene.
The state's intervention became more critical after an investigator bit a squirrel during a visit to ensure the wild animals remained in safe and healthy conditions. Additionally, "a person involved with the investigation also suffered a bite from the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized," said a DEC spokesperson.
In response, Longo expressed his devastation and frustration over the loss of P'nut on social media, calling him "the best thing that ever happened to us." Moreover, he shared an emotional tribute video on Instagram that chronicled P'nut's life and their time together.
In his grief, Longo criticized the role of the internet and the anonymous tipsters who reported him to the DEC. "Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness," he posted. He continued his message with a pointed rebuke aimed directly at those who complained: "To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you."
Despite the heartbreak, Longo reminisced about P'nut’s quirks and pleasant personality, recalling how much the squirrel enjoyed waffles. His bond with P'nut shone through in P'nut's wide online following and the joy he brought to viewers with his playful activities and adorable outfits.
The fate of P'nut and the subsequent outcry clearly highlight the ongoing debate over keeping wild animals as pets while balancing animal welfare with human safety. Furthermore, the DEC has emphasized the importance of public health and safety in its decision, stating that testing for rabies served as a necessary precaution following the bite incident.
As the community and Longo await the results of the rabies tests, they optimistically hope for closure. In the meantime, the DEC encourages anyone who had contact with the animals to seek medical advice, despite P'nut showing no previous signs of aggression or illness.
Longo's tribute to P'nut reflects not only his profound loss but also the unique bond between humans and their pets, even those as unconventional as a squirrel. Moreover, in his posts, he stated, "RIP MY BEST FRIEND. Thank you for the best 7 years of my life. Thank you for bringing so much joy to us and the world. I’m sorry I failed you but thank you for everything," underscoring the impact P'nut had on his life and the lives of his followers.
