State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) employees were advised to work from home Monday and Tuesday as police investigated bomb threats directed at multiple DEC offices across New York. The threats emerged after DEC seized and euthanized Peanut, an Instagram-famous squirrel, from a Chemung County animal rescue last week.

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.

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,

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,

Republican lawmakers have condemned the decision by state officials to kill the squirrel as unnaceptable government overreach.

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.