Internet-famous Peanut the squirrel was euthanized after NY wildlife officials seized him from his owner’s home, sparking widespread outrage and forcing state offices to close amid bomb threats. Learn what led to the viral pet’s controversial death.

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.

A man who took in an orphaned squirrel and made it a social media star vowed Saturday that New York state’s decision to seize and euthanize the animal “won’t go unheard.”

Two days after he was seized from his home in New York, Peanut the Squirrel has been euthanized. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Chemung County Department of Health announced through a statement on Friday afternoon that both a squirrel and raccoon were confiscated from a residence on Wednesday had been euthanized to test for rabies.

Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon were confiscated and euthanized that week, here’s how the incident became political.

The local sheriff’s office distanced itself Monday from the killing of an Internet-famous squirrel that has prompted furious online backlash and even bomb threats.

Mark Longo, who called Peanut the Squirrel his pet for this past seven years, described the New York's decision to seize and euthanize the wild animal turned social media star a "disgrace." "What happened today and what transpired throughout this week has been nothing short of a tragedy and a disgrace to the New York state,

Bomb threats have been made to eight DEC facilities across the state of New York following the death of Peanut the Squirrel.

The plight of an Instagram-famous pet squirrel that was euthanised by New York wildlife officials has become a campaign talking point two days before the US presidential election. Donald Trump's running mate,

Fans have been in an uproar since internet sensation Peanut the squirrel was seized from his owner's home and euthanized by New York officials this week, over what they say was the unfair killing of a beloved family member.