Peanut, orphaned squirrel turned Instagram star, euthanized after being seized by N.Y. officials

Department of Environmental Conservation officials raided Mark Longo's home, where he was keeping the squirrel without a licence. A raccoon named Fred was also put down

PINE CITY, N.Y. — An orphaned squirrel that became a social media star called Peanut was euthanized after state authorities seized the beloved pet during a raid on his caretaker’s home, authorities said Friday.

After anonymous complaints, officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation took the squirrel and a raccoon named Fred from Mark Longo’s home near the Pennsylvania border in rural Pine City on Wednesday, Longo said.