P’nut the Squirrel wasn’t just any ordinary squirrel; he was a beloved pet and a social media sensation. Rescued as an orphaned baby in 2017 by Mark Longo, P’nut became a cherished member of Longo’s family and the mascot of P’Nut’s Freedom Farm, an animal rescue sanctuary in Pine City, New York. With his playful antics and adorable charm, P’nut won over thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok, spreading joy and laughter to animal lovers around the world. But in a heartbreaking turn of events, P’nut’s life came to a sudden and tragic end, leaving his fans and the entire community outraged. Here are the key facts that tell the full, heart-wrenching story.
1. P’nut Was a Social Media Star
P’nut, a pet squirrel rescued in 2017, captured the hearts of thousands on Instagram and TikTok. His adorable antics made him the mascot of P’Nut’s Freedom Farm, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing animals in Pine City, New York.
2. A Controversial Raid
On October 30, 2024, officials from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Chemung County Health Department raided Mark Longo’s home. They seized P’nut and a raccoon named Fred, citing concerns over illegal wildlife possession and rabies risk.
3. The Alleged Rabies Incident
Authorities claimed that P’nut posed a public health threat after he allegedly bit an investigator during the raid. This prompted the DEC to test P’nut for rabies, leading to his euthanasia—a decision that devastated his family and fans.
4. Fred the Raccoon Was Also Euthanized
Alongside P’nut, Fred the raccoon was also euthanized for rabies testing. Fred was another cherished member of Longo’s sanctuary, and his loss only deepened the community’s sense of grief and outrage.
5. A Grieving Owner Speaks Out
Mark Longo, P’nut’s devastated owner, expressed his grief and anger on TikTok, saying, “I’m sad, I’m disgusted.” He described the raid as excessive and claimed he was treated like a “terrorist” during the five-hour ordeal.
6. Public Backlash and Outcry
The euthanasia of P’nut sparked widespread backlash. Fans and followers criticized the state’s handling of the situation, expressing outrage over what they saw as an unjust and heavy-handed response. The incident underscored the deep emotional connections people form with animals like P’nut.
7. Support Pours In for P’Nut’s Freedom Farm
Supporters rallied around Longo and P’Nut’s Freedom Farm, launching a GoFundMe campaign to help cover legal expenses and support the sanctuary. The campaign raised over $73,000, reflecting the community’s love for P’nut and their commitment to the farm’s mission.
8. The Debate Over Wildlife Regulations
The DEC defended its decision, citing public health concerns. However, Longo and his supporters argue that wildlife cases need to be handled more compassionately and transparently, especially when dealing with animals that have formed strong bonds with humans.
9. P’nut’s Longstanding Health Record
Supporters pointed out that P’nut had been a healthy and well-cared-for pet for over seven years, regularly seen by veterinarians. Longo emphasized that P’nut had no history of health issues that would suggest a rabies risk, raising further questions about the DEC’s actions.
10. A Call for Legislative Change
In the aftermath of P’nut’s tragic death, animal welfare advocates are pushing for legislative reforms. They hope to establish new guidelines that balance wildlife protection with the rights of pet owners, ensuring that situations like P’nut’s are handled more humanely in the future.
P’nut’s story is a poignant reminder of the deep connections we form with animals and the impact they have on our lives. As his fans continue to mourn, his legacy lives on, inspiring calls for change in how we approach wildlife laws and pet ownership.
