The controversy over Peanut, the pet squirrel and social media sensation seized by the state Department of Environmental Conservation and euthanized last week, has raised questions about who can and should handle wildlife in New York.

Mark Longo gained a massive following online by sharing videos of Peanut, an orphaned squirrel he rescued seven years ago.

In addition to his OnlyFans, Longo, 34, runs a an animal refuge in Pine City, New York, a rural town near the Pennsylvania border. P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary was home to Longo, Peanut, a rescued raccoon named Fred, and Longo's wife, Daniela.

Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon were confiscated and euthanized that week, here’s how the incident became political.

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.