Instagram-Famous Squirrel Named Peanut Seized by New York State Authorities

Popular Pet Squirrel Confiscated Due to Illegal Wildlife Possession

Peanut the Squirrel, a beloved social media sensation with over 1.3 million followers on Instagram, has been seized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The squirrel was taken into custody on Tuesday, and is currently being held at a wildlife rehabilitation center.

Peanut's owner, Tiaan Oberholzer, was issued a summons for illegally possessing a wild animal. Oberholzer told the DEC that he had found Peanut as an abandoned baby squirrel and had been caring for him ever since. However, squirrels are protected by law in New York State, and it is illegal to keep them as pets.

The DEC said that Peanut will be released back into the wild once he is healthy enough. In the meantime, he is being cared for by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Peanut's seizure has sparked outrage among his many fans. Many people have taken to social media to express their support for Oberholzer and to call for Peanut's release. A petition on Change.org demanding Peanut's return to his owner has already garnered over 100,000 signatures.

The DEC said that it understands the public's concern, but that it must enforce the law. The agency said that squirrels are wild animals and that they can be dangerous if they are not properly cared for.

The DEC also said that it is concerned about the precedent that would be set if Peanut were allowed to remain in captivity. The agency said that it would send the wrong message to the public and that it could lead to more people trying to keep wild animals as pets.

The DEC said that it is committed to protecting wildlife and that it will continue to enforce the law. The agency said that it hopes that Peanut's seizure will serve as a reminder that it is illegal to keep wild animals as pets.