A South Carolina apartment complex is holding vigil for a community alligator named Walter that was killed after several complaints were filed about him.
The gator called the Daniel Island Village’s pond his home for over a decade and could often be found lounging on the grass soaking up the sun’s rays.
Residents at the complex said the reptile never bothered anyone as they struggled to fathom why he was slain after living in the area for so long.
“He was a piece of the community. Even though he was a cold-blooded animal, we all loved him and it tore us all up,” Vigil organizer Rebekah Cole told WCIV-TV.
Walter was frequently celebrated on the complex’s own social media. A final post featuring the alligator before his death was posted February 2024.
“Daylight savings time is coming to an end! It is getting warmer out! Daniel Island Village is on the verge of a beautiful blossom! The proof is in the pudding, WALTER is OUT!!” the post read.
Alligators are a federally protected species, but South Carolina law allows permits to be given to kill or remove them if they threaten people.
In the past decade, at least six people have been killed by alligators in the Palmetto State. The apartment complex management didn’t cite any specific incident as the reason for killing Walter and only noted that several complaints had been filed about his presence.
The complex had a permit for the past two years allowing them to remove an alligator if they deem it to be a nuisance or threat. They were also free to hire a contractor to get rid of Walter, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said in a statement.
Last week, property managers at the Daniel Island Village assured that Walter’s death followed the state law and that “news about his passing can be distressing and (we) sincerely appreciate your understanding.”
“In the future, please continue to abide by posted signage about not feeding wildlife, including alligators. For everyone’s safety, if you observe displaced wildlife in our community, please do not interfere,” the property management added.
With Post wires
