Outrage Over Peanut the Squirrel's Death Leads to Bomb Threats

The euthanasia of Peanut the Squirrel by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has sparked significant outrage, leading to at least ten bomb threats directed at DEC offices across the state. Peanut, a social media sensation with over 784,000 Instagram followers, was seized alongside a raccoon named Fred due to reports of unsafe living conditions and was euthanized to test for rabies after reportedly biting an investigator. Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the bomb threats but did not comment on the circumstances surrounding Peanut's death. The DEC stated that the threats are being taken seriously, and employees were given the option to work from home amid safety concerns. The incident has garnered attention from various public figures, including actor William Shatner, who expressed his dismay over Peanut's treatment. The owners of Peanut, Mark and Daniela Longo, have suggested that their social media presence may have influenced the DEC's actions.