The beloved internet personality Peanut the squirrel may be euthanized after being seized by New York state officials from his adoptive human family.

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.

An orphaned squirrel that became a social media star called Peanut is dead after being seized by New York state from his caretakers' home.

New York authorities say Peanut the Squirrel bit a person while it was being confiscated this week.

With 537,000 followers on Instagram, the domesticated black squirrel had fans around the world who delighted in his exploits.

A squirrel named Peanut, who became a social media start has been euthanized by state authorities after complaints about his illegal captivity at Mark Longo's sanctuary in Pine City, New York.

A squirrel named Peanut who was propelled to the heights of internet celebrity has been euthanised, New York authorities said, biting a government staffer on the way out.

A squirrel named Peanut who was propelled to the heights of internet celebrity has been euthanized, New York authorities said Friday, biting a government staffer on the way out.