Internet-famous Peanut the squirrel was euthanized after NY wildlife officials seized him from his owner’s home, sparking widespread outrage and forcing state offices to close amid bomb threats. Learn what led to the viral pet’s controversial death.

A man who took in an orphaned squirrel and made it a social media star vowed Saturday that New York state’s decision to seize and euthanize the animal “won’t go unheard.”

This story was updated to add a statement from the DEC. PINE CITY, N.Y. (WETM) — A popular pet squirrel from the Elmira area who inspired his owner to start an animal sanctuary was seized by the DEC on Wednesday morning.

It has not been announced that the bomb threats correlate with the seizure and euthanasia of Peanut the Squirrel.

This undated image provided by Mark Longo shows his pet squirrel Peanut that was seized by officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation, at Longo's home in rural Pine City, N.Y., Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. (Courtesy Mark Longo via AP) AP

Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon were confiscated and euthanized that week, here’s how the incident became political.

New York authorities seized Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon from owner Mark Longo after anonymous complaints.

Mark Longo, who called Peanut the Squirrel his pet for this past seven years, described the New York's decision to seize and euthanize the wild animal turned social media star a "disgrace." "What happened today and what transpired throughout this week has been nothing short of a tragedy and a disgrace to the New York state,

Bomb threats have been made to eight DEC facilities across the state of New York following the death of Peanut the Squirrel.