This is truly a story of the goobermint running amok. You would think with all the problems in that state they could have found more important things to do.
Now I know there’s another side to the story that wild animals are not pets. However this particular one was saved from dying by someone who was willing to take the time and effort to rescue it and raise it and return it to the wild.
However when released it decided to be domesticated and live an alternative lifestyle. If it’s okay for people to do it then why not a squirrel?
Years ago I interacted with a group of wild squirrels and was surprised at how friendly and intelligent they were once you gained their trust. It’s really sad he was taken away and killed.