How did Peanut the Squirrel, one of the internet’s most adored animal celebrities, go from viral stardom to a tragic death at the hands of government officials?
The shocking chain of events has left fans and his owners reeling, raising questions about whether this was truly about public safety—or something far darker.
Peanut, whose Instagram account boasted over 900,000 followers, was known for his quirky antics alongside his companion, Fred the raccoon.
The two became stars thanks to the creative videos and playful costumes of their owners, married couple Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner. But in October 2024, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) raided the couple’s home, seizing both animals and ultimately euthanizing them.
Longo took to Instagram in grief: “At 10am, they showed up, took Peanut, and euthanized him. I’m in shock, disbelief, and disgust. For seven years, Peanut was my best friend—the center of my world—and now he’s gone.”
Officials cited concerns over unsafe housing for wild animals and the risk of rabies, claiming Peanut had bitten a DEC agent through leather gloves during the raid. While tests later confirmed the animals were rabies-free, they were never returned.
The couple insists the killings were not a safety measure but a “premeditated act of cruelty” and an “abuse of power.” In August 2025, they filed a lawsuit against the state, the DEC, and the Department of Health, seeking $10 million and calling the deaths a “senseless execution.” Earlier, they had already sued Chemung County, the City of Elmira, and numerous officials for alleged misconduct.
“This wasn’t just the death of two pets,” Longo told reporters. “They destroyed my family. Filing these lawsuits is about standing up against government overreach.” Their attorney, Nora Constance Marino, echoed the sentiment: “This case is about justice—not just for my clients, but for Peanut, Fred, and all animals. Their deaths cannot be ignored.”
Financial implications are also in play, as Peanut had appeared in monetized social media content, brand campaigns, and even OnlyFans material, making the loss both emotional and economic.
🔹 Final Thoughts
Peanut’s death has sparked a national conversation about animal rights, governmental authority, and accountability. To fans, he was more than a viral sensation—he was a symbol of joy and creativity in the digital era. To his owners, he was family. The case now challenges us to ask where the line should be drawn between public safety and personal freedom. Whatever the legal outcome, Peanut’s story may reshape how authorities, courts, and the public handle similar situations in the future.