New York officials euthanize popular pet squirrel Peanut after alleged bite incident

Peanut the Squirrel, a popular pet, was euthanized by New York officials after being confiscated during a raid for allegedly being kept illegally. A DEC worker claimed to have been bitten, prompting the euthanasia for rabies testing. Tests later confirmed that Peanut and another animal were rabies-free. The state had previously indicated that wildlife must be tested for rabies if there is an exposure, which led to the decision to euthanize the animals. The incident has sparked significant backlash online, with many expressing outrage over the treatment of Peanut. The squirrel had a large social media following, and its death has drawn attention from notable figures, including Elon Musk.