P\u2019nut the Squirrel, an internet sensation with a large following across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, has tragically passed away.<\/p>\n
This happened after New York\u2019s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized the pet earlier in the week and subsequently killed the seven-year-old gray squirrel.<\/p>\n
The DEC explained that P\u2019nut, along with another rescued animal, Fred the raccoon, was put down to test for rabies, particularly because someone involved in the investigation had been bitten.<\/p>\n
Mark Longo, P\u2019nut\u2019s guardian, shared a tearful tribute to his beloved companion in an emotional Instagram post. \u201cP\u2019nut was the best thing that ever happened to us,\u201d he expressed in a video with his girlfriend by his side.<\/p>\n
The heartfelt message accompanying the post read, \u201cRIP MY BEST FRIEND. Thank you for the best 7 years of my life. Thank you for bringing so much joy to us and the world. I\u2019m sorry I failed you, but thank you for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
The squirrel\u2019s journey with Longo began after a tragic accident. In Connecticut, Longo rescued P\u2019nut when he witnessed the squirrel\u2019s mother struck by a car.<\/p>\n
The bond between them grew so strong that Longo moved to upstate New York and launched \u201cP\u2019Nut\u2019s Freedom Farm,\u201d a sanctuary aimed at saving and caring for animals.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, the DEC acted on multiple anonymous complaints, confiscating both P\u2019nut and Fred. This seizure prompted a wave of frustration and grief from Longo, who voiced his anger on social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, internet, you WON,\u201d he wrote, accusing complainants of selfishness for taking away his cherished animals. He also criticized those who reported him, saying, \u201cTo the group of people who called DEC, there\u2019s a special place in hell for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
The DEC defended its actions, stating that P\u2019nut was considered a rabies vector species, especially after biting an investigator during the seizure.<\/p>\n
The agency emphasized the need to test both animals for rabies, encouraging anyone who had been in contact with them to seek medical advice.<\/p>\n