Did a social media star squirrel really meet a tragic end after a raid by New York authorities? The death of Peanut, the internet-famous squirrel, has sparked a storm of controversy, raising questions about animal rights, social media influence, and the limits of state intervention.

As reported on a Sunday, the beloved eastern gray squirrel, known online as P'nut (or Peanut), was euthanized by the state of New York. This devastating event followed a raid on the rural Pine City farm owned by Mark Longo. The decision to end P'nut's life, made by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), has left many stunned, particularly those who followed the squirrel's adventures on social media. The raid also resulted in the euthanasia of another of Longo's pets, Fred the raccoon, adding another layer of sadness to the unfolding narrative.

Category	Details
Full Name	Mark Longo
Date of Birth	Approximately 1990 (Age 34 as of October 2024)
Place of Birth	Greenwich, Connecticut
Education	Cos Cob School, Central Middle School, Greenwich High School (Class of 2008), College (Unspecified)
Profession	Engineer, Content Creator, Social Media Influencer
Known For	Owner of Peanut the Squirrel (Social Media Star), "Squirrel Daddy" on OnlyFans
Marital Status	Married to Daniela Longo
Residence	Pine City, New York
Controversies	Euthanasia of Peanut and Fred by NYS DEC, potential issues related to OnlyFans content
Legal Action	Planning to file a lawsuit against the NYS DEC
Social Media Presence	Instagram: @peanutthesquirrel (535,000 followers), Facebook: @peanutthesquirrel (423,000 followers), TikTok
Reference	The New York Times

The circumstances surrounding the raid and subsequent euthanization are complex. According to reports, the DEC's actions were prompted by several complaints. One officer's statement indicates that there were "four complainants" regarding Longo's possession of the squirrel and raccoon. On October 27, 2024, an individual claiming to be one of the complainants contacted the officer and "was able to corroborate certain information from the complaint, and social media posts made by Mark Longo online."

Rumors circulating suggest that the content Longo and his wife, Daniela, shared on their OnlyFans account might have played a role in the police raid. This has led to speculation that the authorities' actions were connected to the nature of their online content, though this remains unconfirmed. The New York Times has reported that Mark Longo has a successful OnlyFans account under the handle "Squirrel Daddy," hinting at the potential connection.

The scale of the social media response underscores the impact P'nut had on his online audience. The squirrel, who boasted over half a million followers on Instagram and hundreds of thousands more on Facebook, became a symbol of joy and companionship for many. Longo frequently documented P'nut's daily life, sharing videos and photos that humanized the squirrel and endeared him to a large and devoted following.

Longo's bond with Peanut began seven years ago, after the squirrel's mother was struck by a car in New York City. Longo rescued the orphaned kit, bringing him home and providing care. This act of compassion blossomed into a deep relationship, marked by daily interactions and shared experiences. Longo's posts on Instagram and other platforms showcased P'nut's playful personality, further captivating his audience.

Following the news of Peanut's death, Longo took to Instagram to share his grief, revealing his heartbreak to his followers. The news triggered an outpouring of sympathy from the online community. "The DEC came to my house and raided my house without a search warrant to find a squirrel!" Longo, who is 34, told AP. He is now planning to file a lawsuit against the state department of environmental conservation, demanding answers and justice for Peanut. He expressed profound shock and sadness, emphasizing that he had been left in the dark regarding the events leading up to his beloved pet's death.

The incident has raised important questions regarding the legality of keeping undomesticated animals as pets and the procedures employed by law enforcement in such cases. Longo's case has become a focal point for discussions on animal rights, the responsibilities of pet owners, and the scope of governmental authority. The situation underscores the intricate interplay between personal freedoms, animal welfare regulations, and the influence of social media.

Longo's story began in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he attended local schools before pursuing a career in engineering. Most recently, however, he has distinguished himself as "proud squirrel dad." The emotional toll of P'nut's death is evident in his social media activity, where he continues to post tributes and memories of his beloved companion. In the six days since his initial announcement, Longo posted 30 times to Peanut's Instagram account and 16 times on TikTok, reflecting the depth of his loss and his dedication to honoring P'nut's memory.

The couple, Mark and Daniela Longo, are reportedly devastated by the loss of their viral pets. The NYS DEC's decision to euthanize the animals, reportedly due to rabies testing, has been met with significant public scrutiny. Longo has mentioned his distress at what he perceives as a lack of transparency from the authorities, compounding his grief. The case highlights the complex and emotionally charged intersection of animal ownership, social media, and legal processes.

The case is a stark reminder of the potential consequences that arise when personal lives intersect with legal regulations and the pervasive world of social media. The legal fight that Mark Longo is preparing to undertake will undoubtedly shed light on the events that led to Peanut's death and will hopefully contribute to a broader understanding of the rights and responsibilities of pet owners.

The story of Peanut, the squirrel, continues to evolve. The details surrounding the events, the legal proceedings, and the emotional impact on those involved, will remain a subject of ongoing interest and debate for quite some time. As Mark Longo seeks answers and justice, the world will be watching.

In the wake of this tragedy, Longo has found a new companion, a dog named Howard, months after P'nut's passing. This signifies a continued journey through grief and healing, highlighting the enduring human connection to animals. The incident serves as a poignant illustration of the complexities of modern life, where personal relationships, online influence, and legal matters intertwine, often with unforeseen and deeply personal consequences.