An orphaned squirrel named Peanut who became a social media star was euthanized after state authorities seized the beloved pet during a raid on his caretaker’s home, officials said Friday.

Following anonymous complaints, officers with the state Department of Environmental Conservation removed the squirrel and a raccoon named Fred from Mark Longo’s home in rural Pine City near the Pennsylvania border on Wednesday, Longo said.

On Friday, DEC and the Chemung County Health Department confirmed the fate of both animals.

“On October 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel that were sharing a home with humans, creating the potential for humans to be exposed to rabies. Additionally, a person involved in the investigation was bitten by a squirrel. Both animals were euthanized for rabies testing, the institutions said in a statement, CBS News in New York reported. “The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who comes into contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their doctor.”

Neither agency responded to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

Peanut has amassed tens of thousands of followers on Instagram, TikTok and other platforms in the seven years since Longo, who runs an animal shelter, said she took him in after seeing her mother get hit by a car in New York.

On Peanut’s Instagram, the squirrel hops on Longo’s shoulder, jumps through a hoop, eats waffles and wears miniature hats.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news: On October 30, DEC made the devastating decision to euthanize beloved Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. Despite our passionate cry for mercy, the agency ignored our pleas, leaving us in deep shock and grief,” he said in an Instagram post on Friday, accompanied by a video montage of the animals interacting with their smiling caretakers.

Longo and his wife, Daniela, opened P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary in April 2023. Longo said it is currently home to about 300 animals, including horses, goats and alpacas. He said he was in the process of preparing paperwork to have Peanut approved as a training animal when he was seized.