Modern elections revolve around the smallest issues, which are often emotionally charged and catch the public’s attention because they are symptomatic of greater concerns. Even things that might seem trivial or unimportant can be elevated in significance under the right circumstances. Such is the case of a small Eastern Grey Squirrel named Peanut (P’Nut).
Peanut’s Difficult Beginning
Peanut was a seven-year-old rescue who came to live with Mark Longo first in Connecticut and then in Pine City, New York. In 2017, Longo rescued Peanut when his mother was killed. He could not find a shelter to take Peanut, so he took him in and raised him for the next eight months. Peanut briefly returned to the wild but quickly returned to Mark’s home, never to leave again.
For the next seven years, Peanut enjoyed the life of a beloved pet, living inside the Longo home. During that time, Peanut became an internet celebrity with an Instagram account with over 500,000 followers.
Unfortunately, the State of New York requires the owner of a wild pet, such as a squirrel, to be licensed. Of course, like all autocratic bureaucracies, New York has the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (the NYSDEC), which began to investigate Longo and Peanut in January of 2024. Multiple anonymous complaints also instigated the investigation, and we all know that anonymous sources are worthless and can be an excuse to investigate anything. A wildlife rehabilitation group also complained about Longo and Peanut because Longo was not licensed.
This complaint led to an investigation by the Police Benevolent Association of New York (PBANYS). Peanut’s internet fame had become his downfall. The police obtained a search warrant and dispatched twelve officers to seize Peanut and a raccoon named Fred. Twelve officers, really?
Citing a need to test for rabies, the DEC euthanized both Peanut and Fred even though neither exhibited any signs of illness.
Longo took to the internet and posted an obituary of Peanut and Fred.
“Well internet, you WON,” Longo posted. “You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness. To the group of people who called DEC, there’s a special place in hell for you.”
They were euthanized on October 30, 2024, just five days before the election.
Public Backlash
Minor details can decide elections. In our recent Presidential election, Democrats made many missteps, and I would put the euthanasia of Peanut and Fred on the list. It may have been a minor misstep, but it was a misstep.
For some, Peanut’s demise symbolized government overreach and cruelty. Animal rights advocates and people with just a modicum of common sense realized that Peanut posed no public risk. This was a clear example of government bureaucrats exercising their power and authority without merit. Did it swing the election? No. Did it put a few more New Yorkers in the Republican camp? Yes.
Once word of Peanut’s seizure and euthanasia hit the Internet, the story went viral and made some international broadcasts.
Congressmen weighed in on the issue and kept it in the news, correctly pointing to misplaced priorities.
“The NYS DEC needs a serious reality check on their ridiculously mistaken priorities."
Other state lawmakers, like New York State Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, responded by introducing “Peanut’s Law: Humane Animal Protection Act” to prevent tragedies like this one.
There have been other outcries of injustice, all pointing to complete government overreach and malice. Unfortunately, there have also been bomb threats.
Peanut Lives On
Dozens of Peanut videos exist on YouTube and other internet sites, some with millions of views. Reposted notes hit right at the heart of the issue.
“Seriously someone signed a search warrant for Squirrel and Raccoon?”
Exactly! Voters and citizens know when things are going off track. In New York, they have tens of thousands of illegal migrants roaming the streets, consuming millions in taxpayer money, and they waste time capturing and euthanizing someone’s pet squirrel and raccoon. Peanut’s political affiliation remains unknown; he could not vote but was an influencer.
Out of all this, the Longos used Peanuts’ fame to start an animal sanctuary that now cares for over three hundred animals. Also, the rights of individuals to be protected from unwarranted searches and seizures were front and center for the Presidential Election. President Trump did not win New York, but he came much closer than any of his predecessors. There may also have been movement in other states because of government overreach and appreciation for pets of all varieties.
In a very small way, Peanut “moved the needle” toward a more rational future. Not bad for a squirrel! Small things matter, even if they are no larger than a squirrel.
The search goes on for those who “ratted out” Peanut.
Lessons Learned
There are several lessons here for all of us. We see that when governments have unlimited power and exhibit overreach, bad things can happen, even in small areas. Other options were more palatable and would have placed the government agencies in a better public light.
Once Peanut and Fred were seized, they could have been taken to a different wildlife sanctuary and watched for signs of health problems. If they proved healthy, they could have been taken far away and released back into the wild or returned to Longo to live out their life. Peanut and Fred depended on Longo for support, and he responded well. However, once the government took on that responsibility, things ended poorly.
We had a choice to reject more government intervention in our lives, and we took that path on Election Day. Longo, Peanut, and Fred are painful reminders of what happens when you think government is the answer to your issues, real or imagined.
Post image generated using ChatGPT and Photoshop as illustrative of a squirrel who could affect an election’s outcome, not an actual photo of Peanut.
Resources
Beyond Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, a multitude of small things can change the US election, ABC News, abcnews.net.au, September 29, 2024.
Greenwich Guy’s Viral Squirrel Videos Lead to Marriage, Sprawling Animal Sanctuary, Greenwich Free Press, greenwichfreepress.com, August 6, 2024.
Here’s Why the World Is Outraged over New York Squirrel’s Death, Station WIBX, wibx950.com,
New York authorities euthanize social media star Peanut the squirrel, By Associated Press, The Guardian, theguardian.com, November 2, 2024.
New York state officials seize Instagram-famous squirrel named Peanut from owner, NBC News, nbcnews.com, October 31, 2024.
Peanut (squirrel), Wikipedia, wikipedia.org, Last accessed November 24, 2024.
The Power of One Vote: An Examination of Close Federal, State, and Local U.S. Elections and How Just a Few Votes Can Shape Policy, By Rebecca Mears and Zachary Geiger, CAP20:Democracy Policy, americanprogress.org, September 16, 2024.
