New York Man Pleads for Return of Pet Squirrel Seized in DEC Raid

A Utica man who turned a rescued squirrel into a social media star named Peanut is appealing to state authorities to return his beloved pet after a raid resulted in its confiscation, along with a raccoon named Fred. The incident occurred in rural Pine City, near the Pennsylvania border, leading to the intervention of at least six officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Raid Without Search Warrant

The DEC conducted the raid based on multiple anonymous complaints regarding Peanut, also spelled P’Nut or PNUT. Mark Longo, 34, expressed his frustration, stating, "The DEC came to my house and raided my house without a search warrant to find a squirrel! I was treated as if I was a drug dealer and they were going for drugs and guns."

The Seizure of Peanut and Fred

The officers confiscated Peanut, a squirrel who had gained hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms during his seven years with Longo. They also took Fred, a more recent addition to the family. The DEC spokesperson stated that the agency initiated an investigation after receiving reports about the potentially unsafe housing of wildlife and the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets.

Longo's Heartfelt Plea

In response to the seizure, Longo expressed his anguish on Instagram, mourning Peanut's loss. He criticized the individuals who reported him to the DEC, stating, "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’s a special place in hell for you." Longo fears for Peanut's well-being and is uncertain about his current status, expressing concern that the squirrel may have been euthanized.

The Journey of Peanut

Longo discovered Peanut as an orphaned squirrel after witnessing its mother being hit by a car in New York City seven years ago. Longo took the injured squirrel home and cared for it for eight months before attempting to release it into the wild. However, after realizing that Peanut lacked the necessary survival skills, Longo decided to keep him as an indoor squirrel. Peanut subsequently gained internet fame through videos showcasing his playful nature.

P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary

Last year, Longo made the decision to move from Norwalk, Connecticut, to upstate New York to establish an animal sanctuary. In April 2023, P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary was opened, now housing approximately 300 animals, including horses, goats, and alpacas. Longo, along with his wife and family members, manages the sanctuary.

Seeking Compliance with Regulations

Longo acknowledged that it is against New York state law to own a wild animal without a license and was in the process of obtaining certification for Peanut as an educational animal. He expressed a willingness to comply with regulations, stating, “If we’re not following the rules, guide us in the right direction to follow the rules, you know? Let us know what we need to do to have Peanut in the house and not have to worry about him getting taken.”

Longo's Attempt to Rehabilitate Fred

Regarding the confiscation of Fred, Longo mentioned that he had only had the raccoon for a few months and intended to rehabilitate the injured creature before releasing it back into the wild.

Precedent of Pet Confiscation

This incident is not the first instance of an animal owner protesting the confiscation of a pet by New York authorities. In March, a Buffalo-area man filed a lawsuit against the DEC after his alligator was seized.

As of now, Mark Longo is advocating for the return of his beloved squirrel Peanut and expressing his concerns about the well-being of both Peanut and Fred.