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,

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, who has amassed more than half a million Instagram followers, was euthanized by officials to be tested for rabies.

Wildlife rehabilitators can legally care for injured or sick squirrels, but the animals can't be pets in many states.

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

Based on Peanut’s Instagram account, he's clearly no ordinary squirrel. He knows how to jump with precision, wears a trendy cowboy hat, and even eats waffles.

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.