A squirrel that became famous on social media has been seized in a raid, with the animal’s owner afraid New York authorities will euthanise him.
Named Peanut, the squirrel was rescued by Mark Longo seven years ago after he saw its mother being hit by a car in New York City.
With more than 533,000 followers on Instagram, the unusual pet could be seen wearing a cowboy hat, nibbling on waffles, jumping through hoops and sitting on the 34-year-old’s shoulder.
After a number of anonymous complaints, however, New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized Peanut – as well as a raccoon called Fred – from the man’s home in Pine City on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the state agency said it received “multiple reports from the public about the potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies and the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets”.
Mr Longo, who runs an animal refuge inspired by his squirrel called P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, said: “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.”
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The squirrel’s owner added: “I don’t know if Peanut is alive… I don’t know where he is.”
The DEC spokesperson did not comment on whether the squirrel had been euthanised.
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 nearly two days later, the conservationist found the squirrel “sitting on my porch missing half of his tail with his bone sticking out” and determined it could not survive in the wild.
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He also suggested on Instagram that social media users reported the squirrel to the DEC, and said “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.”
It is against New York state law to own a wild animal – such as a squirrel – without a licence. Mr Longo said he was aware of this and was filing paperwork to certify Peanut as an educational animal before the raid.
He added: “If we’re not following the rules, guide us in the right direction to follow the rules, you know?”
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Mr Longo has since launched a petition and a fundraiser calling for Peanut to be returned.
Sky News has contacted the DEC for additional comment.
