A community claimed ownership for this token on Nov 02 2024
Community ClaimOriginal coin made in honor of Peanut the squirrel (community takeover)
Peanut was rescued by Mark Longo after witnessing the squirrel's mother being hit by a car. Unable to survive in the wild due to injuries, Peanut was taken in by Longo and became a viral sensation, known for his playful antics and even wearing tiny hats, amassing over 500,000 followers on Instagram.
On October 30, 2024, Peanut, along with another pet, a raccoon named Fred, was seized from Longo's home in Pine City, New York, by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This action was in response to anonymous complaints about the housing of wildlife, which could potentially carry rabies.
Following their seizure, both Peanut and Fred were euthanized. The DEC, in conjunction with the Chemung County Department of Health, cited that this was necessary after Peanut bit someone involved in the investigation, to test for rabies.
Public and Owner's Reaction: Mark Longo and Peanut's followers expressed outrage and sorrow over the incident. Longo has criticized the DEC's handling, emphasizing Peanut's inability to survive in the wild and questioning the swift decision to euthanize rather than quarantine or test the animals without immediately putting them down. Social media platforms like X saw an outpour of support and anger, with users questioning the rationale behind the state's actions, especially given Peanut's fame and the T
here's been a call for justice and legal action, with Congressman Nick Langworthy expressing frustration over the DEC's approach. A petition and GoFundMe were initiated to support Longo in his legal battles and to keep Peanut's legacy alive through their non-profit.