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Peanut the Squirrel's Rabies Test Negative
A social media-famous squirrel, Peanut, was euthanized after a DEC worker was bitten. Subsequent rabies tests returned negative, prompting criticism of the DEC's actions.
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United States
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Department Of Environmental Conservation (Dec)Chemung County
PeanutMark LongoChris MossFred
- Why was Peanut, the squirrel, euthanized?
- Peanut, a squirrel that gained a large social media following, was euthanized by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) after it bit a DEC worker. Subsequent rabies tests came back negative.
- What was the Chemung County's role in the incident?
- Chemung County Executive Chris Moss stated that the county followed protocols and worked with the state in handling the situation. The tests for rabies on both animals came back negative.
- What actions is the DEC taking following the incident?
- The DEC is conducting an internal investigation to review its policies and procedures following the incident and the public backlash. The incident spurred significant public debate and criticism of the DEC's handling of the situation.
- What was Mark Longo's reaction to the negative rabies test results?
- Longo, Peanut's owner, was not surprised by the negative rabies test results and criticized the government's actions, stating he had lived with Peanut for years with no issues. He contends he was complying with regulations and simply needed more guidance from the DEC.
- What prompted the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to seize Peanut and Fred?
- The DEC seized Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from Mark Longo's home due to complaints about illegal and unsafe wildlife keeping. Longo maintains he was in the process of getting the necessary permits.