Peanut Squirrel: Lead Investigator Identified as New York Probes P’Nut the Squirrel’s Death Amid National Outrage

Peanut Squirrel: New York state officials have launched an internal investigation into the controversial raid that led to the death of P’Nut the squirrel, an internet-famous rescue animal, following the state’s alleged mishandling of the operation. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has come under fire after the hours-long raid at Mark Longo’s animal sanctuary in Pine City, which resulted in the euthanization of P’Nut and a rescued raccoon named Fred.

The DEC has confirmed it is conducting a thorough review of its policies and the actions taken on October 30. According to Longo, the operation was excessive, with around ten agents storming his 350-acre property. P’Nut reportedly bit one of the agents during the seizure, leading officials to claim the animals needed to be tested for rabies. Longo, however, disputes the claim, emphasizing that agents wore protective gloves during the raid.

Rabies testing results have yet to be disclosed, prompting questions about transparency. Critics have pointed out that rabies test results are typically available within days, but no information has been released despite public health concerns. Governor Kathy Hochul’s office and the Chemung County Health Department have declined to comment on the test outcomes.

Outrage over P’Nut’s death has triggered a wave of public backlash, with social media users and political figures weighing in. The Trump campaign’s official TikTok account labeled the incident as a tragic example of government overreach. In addition, DEC offices across the state have received multiple bomb threats in response to the public outcry, though none have been deemed credible.

State Senator Dan Stec criticized the lack of transparency, saying, “Where is the state secret here? Whose interest are they protecting?” Meanwhile, Longo is preparing to take legal action against the DEC, arguing that the raid was unnecessary and traumatic.

DEC Investigator Joshua Crain, who led the raid and was named Wildlife Officer of the Year in 2022, has not commented on the matter. The warrant used to enter Longo’s property did not mention any rabies threat, further fueling suspicions about the true motivation behind the operation.

The DEC maintains that their officers acted within the law, but the public demands answers, calling for justice for P’Nut and accountability from those involved. As the investigation unfolds, the pressure mounts for a transparent resolution to the case that has captured national attention.

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