'I just want answers:' Peanut the squirrel's owner speaks out about DEC seizure

Outrage after DEC seizes baby squirrel Peanut from upstate NY woman

Social media users blast wildlife officials for taking squirrel after woman rescues it from cat

The owner of a baby squirrel that was seized by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is speaking out, demanding answers from the agency about why her pet was taken.

Jessica Miller, of Malone, said she found the baby squirrel, which she named Peanut, on the ground near her home on June 10. She said the squirrel was clearly injured and alone, so she took it inside and began caring for it.

Miller said she called the DEC to report that she had the squirrel, and was told to keep it until it was old enough to be released back into the wild. However, on June 14, DEC officers showed up at her home and seized the squirrel.

Miller said she was devastated by the seizure, and has been trying to get answers from the DEC ever since. She said she has called and emailed the agency multiple times, but has not received a response.

"I just want answers," Miller said. "I want to know why they took Peanut. I want to know what they're going to do with him. And I want to know when I can get him back."

The DEC has not publicly commented on the seizure. However, the agency's website states that it is illegal to possess a wild animal without a permit.

Miller said she does not believe that Peanut should be considered a wild animal, as she has been caring for him since he was a baby.

"He's not wild," Miller said. "He's my pet. He knows me. He eats out of my hand. He sleeps in my bed."

Miller said she has received an outpouring of support from people on social media, who are also outraged by the DEC's seizure of Peanut.

"I'm not going to give up," Miller said. "I'm going to keep fighting until I get Peanut back."