Viral Squirrel Peanut Seized by New York Authorities, Sparking Public Outcry

Peanut, a social media sensation with over 500,000 followers, was taken by the Department of Environmental Conservation amid concerns over illegal wildlife keeping.

Mark Longo, Peanut's owner, has launched a campaign including a Change.org petition and a GoFundMe to cover legal expenses for the squirrel's return.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation seized Peanut and an injured raccoon following multiple public reports about potentially unsafe conditions.
Longo expressed his distress over the seizure, stating he is unsure if Peanut is still alive and criticizing the DEC's actions as extreme.
Peanut's social media fame began after Longo rescued him seven years ago, leading to the creation of P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary.
According to New York law, keeping wild animals as pets without a permit is illegal, a rule Longo was reportedly in the process of addressing.