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,

A New York man who turned a rescued squirrel into a social media star called Peanut is pleading with state authorities to return his beloved pet after they seized it during a raid that also yielded a raccoon named Fred.

An Instagram-famous squirrel named Peanut was seized from his owner on Wednesday, October 30th, and people everywhere are outraged; so much so that there's a petition that's already been signed by nearly 25 thousand people to get Peanut back home.

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

Peanut, who has amassed more than half a million Instagram followers, was euthanized by officials to be tested for rabies.

Peanut the squirrel's owner, Mark Longo, is asking for justice after his viral pet squirrel was taken from his home and euthanized.

Wildlife rehabilitators can legally care for injured or sick squirrels, but the animals can't be pets in many states.

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.

Image via Instagram The death of Peanut the Squirrel occurred at an odd time in America — right before the presidential election. As a result, several conservative figures have latched onto the animal's euthanization as proof of government oversight.