'Treated like a terrorist': P’nut the Squirrel’s owner devastated as state raid leads to euthanasia

Mark Longo, the owner of social media sensation P’nut the Squirrel, has accused New York state officials of treating him “like a terrorist” during a five-hour raid on his Pine City home. 

Ten agents from the state departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health arrived unexpectedly, executing a warrant to seize P’nut and another animal, Fred the raccoon. The animals were euthanized to test for rabies after officials claimed P’nut bit one of them during the raid, though Longo disputes witnessing any bites and says officers wore heavy gloves.

“They treated this raid as if I was a drug dealer. They ransacked my house for five hours,” Longo said, detailing the treatment he and his wife endured, including questions about his wife’s immigration status and monitoring his movements. 

“I wasn’t even allowed to go to the bathroom without a police escort.”

Longo, who has cared for P’nut since rescuing the squirrel seven years ago, expressed grief over the loss and frustration with the state’s approach. 

“Why was there so much force brought to my house for a raccoon and a squirrel?” he asked, adding that his home was “ransacked” and that he was prevented from feeding his other animals during the raid.

The DEC’s actions have drawn public criticism and calls for transparency. “With all the crime in our migrant shelters, good to know we have the time and resources for a squirrel SWAT team,” commented NYC Councilman Joe Borelli. 

State Senator Thomas O’Mara also voiced concern, pointing to government priorities and calling the incident “disturbing.”

Longo, who moved to upstate New York last April to open “P’Nut’s Freedom Farm,” a nonprofit animal sanctuary, is now pushing for an investigation, questioning the legitimacy of the rabies claim and seeking medical records for the officials involved. 

“P’nut and Fred did not have rabies, or I wouldn’t be here talking to you,” he stated, suggesting that DEC officials used Fred’s presence as a reason to gain entry and target P’nut.

Ken Girardin from the Empire Center for Public Policy noted that the DEC holds significant authority to execute such raids with minimal oversight. 

“They have sweeping authority that… allows them to enter private homes and seize property with what appears to be questionable justification,” he said.

In the wake of the raid, Longo continues to receive support from fans across the country who mourn P’nut’s passing. 

“My phone is blowing up from people around the country saying how much they loved P’nut,” he shared.