Instagram-famous squirrel Peanut euthanized after it was taken from owner's New York state home
Peanut, the Instagram-famous squirrel that was seized from its owner's home Wednesday, has been euthanized by New York state officials.
Peanut, the Instagram-famous squirrel that was seized from its owner's home Wednesday, has been euthanized by New York state officials.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation took Peanut, as well as a raccoon named Fred, on Wednesday after the agency learned the animals were “sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies," it said in a joint statement with the Chemung County Department of Health.
Both Peanut and Fred were euthanized to test for rabies, the statement said. It was unclear when the animals were euthanized.
The statement said one of the officials involved in the investigation into Peanut and Fred was bitten by the squirrel.
Peanut was seized by officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation, at Longo's home in rural Pine City, N.Y., on Oct. 30.Courtesy Mark Longo via APOfficials are "coordinating to ensure the protection of public health related to the illegal possession of wild animals that have the potential to carry the rabies virus," according to the statement, which also encouraged anyone who has been in contact with the animals to talk to their doctor.
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