Daniela Bittner, a co-owner of P’Nut the squirrel, is in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. DHS told Chron that the German national was arrested October 15 at Elmira Corning Regional Airport after overstaying her authorized admission.
Her husband, Mark Longo, disputes the case, describing an immigration paperwork problem. He told the New York Post that he fears deportation could jeopardize their animal sanctuary.
The couple became nationally known after New York officials seized and euthanized P’Nut and their raccoon Fred in 2024. Both animals later tested negative for rabies.
