Who Is Joshua Crain? DEC Official Linked To Peanut The Squirrel's Euthanization

The lead investigator behind the euthanization of social media star Peanut the Squirrel in New York has been identified. This comes after influencer and pet owner Mark Longo revealed that the squirrel was seized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and subsequently euthanized. Longo added that multiple complaints about Peanut—also spelled P'Nut or PNUT—brought at least six officers from the department to his residence.The New York Post on Saturday cited court documents identifying the lead DEC investigator behind the search as Joshua Crain. The publication further reported that Crain executed the search warrant "after receiving a sign-off from Chemung County Judge Richard W. Rich Jr. the day before."Read More: A DEC spokesperson told The Post on Friday that an “internal investigation into the matter is ongoing, and we are reviewing internal policies and procedures to ensure we continue serving this core mission.” The department has not officially identified Joshua Crain.The New York Post also noted that the warrant mentioned Crain’s suspicions that Longo and his wife were “unlawfully housing a gray squirrel and raccoon.” However, it did not cite rabies or any other health dangers.Read More:

Who Is Joshua Crain? Joshua Crain was named Wildlife Officer of the Year in 2022 by a conservation organization. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos stated: “From a young age, ECO Crain dreamed of being an Environmental Conservation Police Officer working to ensure New York's environment and public are protected. ECO Crain's recognition is well-deserved, and DEC applauds his exceptional work upholding New York's fish and wildlife laws, serving Finger Lakes communities, and educating fellow law enforcement officers, hunters, and future conservationists.”