Famous squirrel of social media seized in raid after anonymous complaints. American news

A squirrel made famous on social media has been seized in a raid, with the animal’s owner fearing New York officials will euthanize it.

The squirrel, named Peanut, was rescued by Mark Longo seven years ago after he saw his mother hit by a car in New York City.

With over 533,000 followers on Instagram, the unusual pet can be seen wearing a cowboy hat, eating waffles, jumping through hoops and sitting on the 34-year-old’s shoulder.

However, after several anonymous complaints, New York’s The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized the peanuts — as well as a raccoon named Fred — from the man’s home in Pine City on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the state agency said it had received “numerous reports from the public about potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that can spread rabies and illegal keeping of wildlife as pets”.

Mr Longo, who runs an animal shelter inspired by his squirrels called P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, said: “DEC came to my house and raided my house without a search warrant to find a squirrel!

“I was treated like I was a drug dealer and they were going to take the drugs and the guns.”

The squirrel’s owner said: “I don’t know if Peanut is alive or not… I don’t know where he is.”

A DEC spokesperson would not comment on whether the squirrel was euthanized.

After taking the squirrel to his former home in Norwalk, Connecticut, Mr. Longo raised Peanut for eight months before trying to release him into the wild.

But about two days later, conservationists found the squirrel “sitting on my porch with half of its tail missing and its bone sticking out” and determined that it could not survive in the wild.

He also suggested on Instagram that social media users report the squirrels to DEC, saying “Ok Internet, you win.

“You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. There is a special place for you in hell, for a group of people called DEC.”

It is against New York State law to possess a wild animal such as a squirrel without a license. Mr. Longo said he was aware of this and was filing paperwork to certify Peanut as an educational animal before the raid.

He further said, “If we are not following the rules, guide us in the right direction to follow the rules, you know?”

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Mr Longo has since started a petition and fundraiser demanding the return of the peanuts.

Sky News has contacted DEC for additional comment.