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.

Elon Musk and Texas Republicans are rallying around the internet-famous Peanut the Squirrel who was euthanized last week.

A New York State Assemblyman has introduced a new law after an internet-famous squirrel was euthanized in Upstate New York.

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.