Social media phenomenon squirrel Peanut has been euthanized!

In the US state of New York, a squirrel named "Peanut," rescued 7 years ago by Mark Longo, became a social media sensation.

Officials from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) arrived at Longo's home after neighbors complained that he was keeping a wild animal, and seized the squirrel.

A petition was launched for the famous squirrel 'Peanut'.

The petition, signed by approximately 20 thousand people, called for the squirrel to be returned to Mark Longo.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced in a statement that the squirrel had bitten a person, and for this reason, both animals were euthanized as part of rabies testing.

The statement also advised individuals who had contact with the animals to consult healthcare facilities regarding the risk of rabies.

Longo, known on social media for the videos he shared with his squirrel Peanut, expressed his shock at the euthanasia of the squirrel in a video he posted on his Instagram account, saying through tears, "Peanut was the best thing that ever happened to us."