Social media star Peanut, the squirrel euthanized: Hidden dangers ...

yesterday

Times of India

Social media star

Peanut

, the squirrel was euthanized recently, causing wild outrage against the

New York State Department

Peanut the squirrel euthanized - Figure 1 — Photo Times of India

and triggering a wave of support for the owner

Mark Longo

On Friday afternoon, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Chemung County Department of Health confirmed that both a squirrel and a raccoon, confiscated from a residence on Wednesday, had been euthanized for

rabies

testing. Many notable figures including Elon Musk, Robert F Kenny among others extended support for Longo. Why do animals have to be euthanized to test for rabies?

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)and the county health department stated that they received complaints about a 'potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies' and the 'illegal keeping of wildlife as pets. NBC News reported that (DEC) received multiple anonymous complaints about Peanut. In a joint statement, the DEC and Chemung County Department of Health stated that they are "coordinating to ensure the protection of public health related to the illegal possession of wild animals that have the potential to carry the rabies virus."

Peanut the squirrel euthanized - Figure 2 — Photo Times of India

DEC noted that it is illegal for young wildlife to be kept as pets. "Inappropriate care given to young wildlife often results in abnormal attachment to humans. After release, some return to places where people live, only to be attacked by domestic animals or to be hit by cars. Some become nuisances getting into stored food, trash cans, or dwellings. And some may be thrust as unwelcome intruders into the home range of another member of their species."

In the wake of the recent incident, let’s take a look at why coming in contact with squirrels can be dangerous. Though few rodents such as squirrels appear to be charming, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that "Small mammals like squirrels and other rodents shouldn't be kept as pets."Squirrels often carry parasites

Squirrels carry host parasites like ticks, fleas, and botflies. The rodents might transfer these parasites to your pet.Fleas and ticks are difficult to remove once they infest indoor spaces and pet bedding.Squirrel bites can be dangerous if the creature has rabies.

Risk of bites and scratches

Though squirrels are adorable, your interaction can result in a bite or scratch, leading to infections. They carry bacteria on their coats, teeth, and claws.

Squirrels carry and may transmit several diseases

Lyme diseaseRabiesSalmonellosisLeptospirosisTularemia

(Pic courtesy: iStock)