Lead investigator behind Squirrel P’Nut’s death identified as NY state investigates animal’s death

The state is investigating how its agents bungled the hourlong raid on an upstate New York home that led to the tragic death of Internet-famous squirrel P’Nut — as The Post identified the lead investigator behind the bushwhack.

The Department of Environmental Conservation said it is conducting an “internal investigation” into the much-criticized seizure of P’Nut and Fred the raccoon at Mark Longo’s home in Pine City.

Both animals were euthanized — and likely beheaded — when the state claimed it was testing them for rabies after P’Nut bit one of the agents’ hand during the raid. An unconvinced Longo said the officers were wearing heavy protective gloves.

“An internal investigation into the matter is ongoing and we are reviewing internal policies and procedures to ensure we continue to carry out this core mission,” a DEC spokesman told The Post Friday.

But Gov. Hochul’s office, the DEC, the state Department of Health and the Chemung County Health Department continued to refuse to share the results of any tests on the animals or the status of the allegedly injured official — despite the viral disease being a deadly public health risk.

Rabies test results are usually available within 24 to 72 hours after the animal is euthanized and the specimen is received by the laboratory. According to the CDC. Results for samples sent to the state DOH’s Wadsworth Center are typically available the business day after they arrive.

The center, which must publish monthly rabies reports, has haven’t done it since june and declined to answer whether it has received any samples from Chemung County in recent weeks.

Hochul promised early in his tenure to make transparency the “hallmark” of his administration. Her office has not responded to multiple inquiries from The Post.

“You claimed rabies . . . but you haven’t commented on it publicly?” a heartbroken Longo, 34, told The Post of the state’s reticence. respond?”

A DEC spokesman directed The Post to file a Freedom of Information Act request in response to multiple requests for rabies test results, which it has done, while a dispatcher directed a reporter to a hotline set up for P’Nut callers who could leave messages.

“They realize in hindsight, it got out of hand, they didn’t handle it well,” state Sen. Dan Stec (R-Warren) said of the state’s response.

“I can’t think of any legitimate or legal reason to hide the results of the rabies test. It’s a matter of public health,” he added. “Where is the state secrecy here? Whose interests are they protecting?”

On October 30, around 10 DEC, agents descended on Longo’s 350-acre property, where he runs an animal sanctuary with his wife, in addition to caring for Fred and P’Nut at their home. The couple rescued the squirrel seven years ago after its mother was killed by a car and kept it as a pet. Fred was saved just a few months ago.

DEC Investigator Joshua Crain executed the search warrant after receiving a signature from Chemung County Judge Richard W. Rich Jr. the day before, according to court documents.

The notice noted Crain’s suspicions that the couple was illegally housing a gray squirrel and raccoon, but did not mention rabies or other imminent dangers.

Crain was named the 2022 Wildlife Officer of the Year by a conservation-based group with the DEC praising a working philosophy, ironically, that “promotes education first and enforcement when necessary.”

“What happened in my house, if you think it was an educational (action) — I don’t know,” roared Longo, who plans to sue the DEC.

Crain and Rich did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Chemung County Executive Chris Moss declined to comment.

P’Nut’s death has angered critics around the country, who point to the raid as a stark example of the government’s overreach and misplaced priorities.

The official Donald Trump campaign TikTok account submitted that P’Nut was “needlessly murdered by Democrat bureaucrats in New York.” Longo, who believes P’Nut’s plight may have helped get Trump elected, hopes the president-elect will visit his sanctuary.

Outrage over the squirrel’s death has sparked at least 14 bomb threats against DEC offices across the state, none of which were found to be credible, according to state police spokesman Beau Duffy.

DEC staff even shun the public and put tape over the agency’s name inside its Elmira building.

“It’s just a precaution,” said one staffer, also trying to distance his office’s involvement in the ongoing bureaucratic brouhaha.

“I’m not into wildlife,” he said when asked about the whereabouts of the animal carcasses. “These are all environmental programs here.”

Police Benevolent Association of New York State, the union representing DEC law enforcement agents, asked for peace on Friday, noting that “misinformation” shared online had led to violent threats against agency staff and a judge.

DEC’s investigation into Longo dates back to January, when the agency first received complaints that Longo had illegally housed a squirrel, the union said. Officials issued him a warning and Longo claimed he released P’Nut into the wild.

The subsequent raid last week came after the agency received additional complaints, leading to a review of Longo’s social media posts that revealed he had lied and continued to house P’Nut while also accepting a raccoon, the organization noted.

“We ask the public to remember that (DEC officers) are their friends, family and neighbors and do not deserve to live in fear to uphold the law,” the union said.

Additional reporting by Tina Moore