The owners of Peanut the Squirrel have spoken out after the pet was seized and euthanized by authorities. Mark and Daniela Longo suspect someone jealous of their success may have called the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to have the animal removed from their sanctuary.

The viral social media squirrel Peanut has been euthanized. The Guardian reports that the orphaned squirrel was seized during a raid on his caretaker’s home.

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.

Peanut, the Instagram-famous squirrel, was seized and euthanised by New York officials after it bit a government staffer. Peanut, along with a raccoon named Fred, was taken away from the owner, Mark Lango, from their residence.

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.