New York state confirms Peanut the squirrel did not have rabies after euthanasia

Peanut the squirrel, recently euthanized by New York state officials, has tested negative for rabies. The state Department of Environmental Conservation seized Peanut and a raccoon named Fred from their owner, Mark Longo, on October 30 due to complaints about illegal wildlife keeping. The DEC euthanized the animals after Peanut bit a worker during the investigation. Chemung County Executive Chris Moss confirmed the negative test results and stated that the county followed proper protocols in the incident. Longo, who had cared for Peanut for over seven years, criticized the government's actions, stating he expected the negative results. The DEC is conducting an internal investigation and reviewing its policies.