JUPITER, Fla. – March 30, 2026 – In a swift early-morning operation, Palm Beach County wildlife officers seized the popular pet raccoon known as Sanchez from a private residence in Jupiter, Florida. The incident has sparked immediate comparisons to the 2024 “Peanut the Squirrel” controversy.
Incident Details
According to a neighbor who witnessed the event and spoke on condition of anonymity, officers arrived at the Andrassy property shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday.
The team, believed to be acting under the authority of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in coordination with local animal control, removed Sanchez from the home in a standard animal carrier. The operation was described as “quick and quiet,” with no visible confrontation.
“We’ve seen the raccoons around for a while and everyone knew they were legal with permits, so this was a surprise. It looked very official, but no one was yelling or anything,” the neighbor said.
No search warrant details have been publicly released. It remains unclear whether the seizure resulted from a formal complaint, a routine permit inspection, or another enforcement action.
Background on Sanchez and the Andrassy Family
Sanchez, along with companion raccoon Luna, has become a social media sensation through the @sancheztheraccoon accounts on TikTok and Instagram.
The pages regularly feature lighthearted videos of the raccoons’ daily activities, including playful “therapy sessions,” family interactions, and cozy home moments. The accounts have gained hundreds of thousands of followers.
Bri Andrassy, a competitive fishing athlete who also runs the Instagram account @ba_fishing_, lives in Jupiter with her husband, Rob. The couple has openly documented their life with the raccoons, often emphasizing that the animals are legally owned under proper Florida permits.
Jupiter, a coastal community in Palm Beach County known for its outdoor lifestyle and fishing culture, has served as the backdrop for much of their content.
Owner’s Response
Andrassy declined to comment when contacted by phone.
A family representative stated:
“Bri does not wish to make any statement at this time.”
No further information has been provided regarding Sanchez’s current whereabouts or condition.
Florida Wildlife Regulations: Class III Permit Requirements
Under Florida law, raccoons are classified as Class III wildlife by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
According to FWC rules (Chapter 68A-6, Florida Administrative Code), possession of such species for personal use requires a no-cost Permit to Possess Class III Wildlife for Personal Use (PPNC).
Key requirements include:
- The animal must be obtained from a legal captive-bred source
- Wild-caught raccoons are generally not allowed for personal pet ownership
- Applicants must be at least 16 years old
- Applications must be submitted through the Go Outdoors Florida portal
- Permit holders must follow strict standards for caging, nutrition, and record-keeping
- A disaster preparedness plan is required
- The permit is valid for two years
- Public exhibition requires a separate permit
While Florida allows raccoon ownership with proper permits, authorities may still seize animals if violations, safety concerns, or public complaints arise.
Parallels to the “Peanut the Squirrel” Case
The seizure of Sanchez echoes the widely publicized 2024 case involving New York resident Mark Longo and his pets, Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon.
In that case, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officers executed a search warrant following complaints about unlicensed wildlife. Both animals were seized and later euthanized, triggering widespread public outrage and national debate.
The case became a symbol for many critics of government overreach in wildlife regulation. Observers are now drawing comparisons, with some questioning whether similar enforcement patterns are emerging in Florida.
Ongoing Situation
As of now, no official statement has been issued by the Palm Beach County Animal Control Division or the FWC regarding the reason for the seizure or Sanchez’s current status.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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