PALM BEACH, Fla., March 2, 2026 — Florida wildlife officials have euthanized a baby squirrel known online as “Pip” just hours after the animal was seized from a Palm Beach residence, according to information released late Monday evening.
Pip the Baby Squirrel, featured on the TikTok account @pipthebabysquirrel, was removed earlier in the day from the home of owner Cindi Jenkins by officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Later that night, officials confirmed that the squirrel had been euthanized under state wildlife and public health protocols.
FWC representatives stated that Pip was identified as a native gray squirrel being kept without proper wildlife rehabilitation authorization, which is required under Florida law. Authorities explained that because the animal had been habituated to prolonged human contact and did not have a documented rabies vaccination history, it could not legally be released back into the wild under current regulatory guidelines.
Palm Beach County health officials confirmed there were no reported bite incidents involving the squirrel. However, state policy requires evaluation and often euthanasia and rabies testing when wild mammals are kept in private homes without licensed rehabilitation care.
Jenkins, who documented Pip’s rescue and daily life to a large online audience, previously shared that she found the squirrel as a newborn after a storm and bottle-fed him to keep him alive.
“He was family,” Jenkins wrote in an earlier social media post.
Law Behind the Decision
Under Florida wildlife regulations, native species such as gray squirrels cannot be kept as pets without proper permits issued by FWC. Wildlife rehabilitation permits require formal training, facility inspections, veterinary oversight, and strict compliance with release standards.
Officials say these laws are meant to protect public health, reduce disease risks, and preserve natural wildlife behaviors. When a wild mammal becomes dependent on human care from infancy, authorities often determine that it cannot legally or safely return to its natural habitat.
Comparisons to the New York Case
Online reaction to Pip’s euthanasia was immediate. Many users compared the situation to the high-profile New York case involving Peanut the Squirrel and owner Mark Longo. In that case, state authorities also confiscated and euthanized the squirrel after determining it was being kept without proper wildlife authorization, sparking nationwide debate over enforcement policies.
Supporters of Jenkins are now questioning whether alternative solutions, such as placement in a licensed wildlife sanctuary, could have been considered before euthanasia.
FWC has not announced whether any administrative citations or criminal charges will be filed in connection with the case. The matter remains under review.
As tributes to Pip continue to circulate across social media, the situation has quickly expanded into a broader discussion about wildlife rescue, state regulations, and the growing influence of viral pet accounts.
This remains a developing story. Further updates will be provided as additional official statements are released.
