Mark Longo, who called Peanut the Squirrel his pet for this past seven years, described the New York's decision to seize and euthanize the wild animal turned social media star a "disgrace." "What happened today and what transpired throughout this week has been nothing short of a tragedy and a disgrace to the New York state,

Peanut the squirrel, a pet that became a social media star, has been euthanized after New York state authorities seized it during a raid.

A beloved pet squirrel named Peanut, who became a social media sensation in New York, has reportedly been seized and euthanized by the New

New York authorities seized Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon from owner Mark Longo after anonymous complaints.

A man who took in an orphaned squirrel and made it a social media star says New York state’s decision to seize and euthanize the animal won't go without a response.

Peanut the Squirrel was taken from his Elmira, NY, home Wednesday by officials from the Department of Environmental Conservation, who served a warrant to Peanut’s guardians after receiving complaints of “unlawfully possessed” animals, according to the post.

Mark Longo of P'Nut's Freedom Farm in New York, an animal rescue, updates the public on the seizure of Peanut by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. Credit: @peanut_the_squirrel12 o

Peanut the Squirrel, also known as PNUT, boasts 534,000 followers on Instagram. He enjoys eating waffles, doing tricks and greeting his owner.

Image via Instagram Peanut The Squirrel may be gone, but its owner isn't prepared to give up the fight. Mark Longo is planning to sue after the Department of Environmental Conservation took the squirrel away and euthanized it.