Peanut the social media squirrel tests negative for rabies after euthanasia in New York

Peanut, a popular squirrel on social media, was euthanized after being taken from his owner in New York. Tests have now confirmed he did not have rabies, according to a county official. The state Department of Environmental Conservation seized Peanut and a raccoon named Fred on October 30 due to complaints about illegal wildlife keeping. Peanut bit a worker during the investigation, leading to their euthanasia for testing. Peanut's owner, Mark Longo, criticized the government's actions and stated he expected the negative test results. The DEC is conducting an internal review of its policies following the incident.