Peanut the squirrel, an internet sensation that sparked an animal sanctuary in Pine City, was euthanized this week after being seized from his home along with a rehabilitating raccoon, a statement from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation confirms.

Peanut the squirrel, a social media star seized from his Upstate New York home earlier this week, has been euthanized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The DEC also took a raccoon named Fred from the home of Mark Longo, who lives in Pine City (near Elmira).

This story was updated to add a statement from the DEC. PINE CITY, N.Y. (WETM) — A popular pet squirrel from the Elmira area who inspired his owner to start an animal sanctuary was seized by the DEC on Wednesday morning.