New York – Social media darling P’Nut the squirrel and Fred the Raccoon, who were killed by state officials in late October, did not have rabies says Chemung County Executive Chris Moss. The animals were seized from Mark Longo during a raid at his home on October 30.

New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officials stated that euthanasia was necessary after P’Nut (aka Peanut) allegedly bit an official on the hand during the raid. However, a recently released timeline of events has revealed that the state officials planned to kill Peanut and Fred a full week before the raid took place – regardless of the bite.

The killings have sparked an uproar from people across the nation who are angered at the apparent government over-reach. Peanut had a huge following on social media and had lived with Longo for seven years; raised by the man after the baby squirrel’s mother was killed.

Fred the raccoon was dropped off at Longo’s Pine Hurst residence four months ago.

The DEC has stated that an internal investigation is being conducted, and the agency is reviewing internal policies and procedures.

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