South Carolina apartment complex holds vigil for Walter the alligator

DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — Several dozen people gathered Saturday at an apartment complex along the South Carolina coast to remember a longtime resident who died the day before — an alligator named Walter who sunned beside a pond on the property for more than a decade.

Walter was killed on the property after several complaints over the past week, the management of Daniel Island Village told WCIV-TV in a statement.

Neighbors in the apartment complex near Charleston said Walter had been hanging around the complex for more than a decade, not only earning a name but a little fame.

Vigil organizer Rebekah Cole told the TV station that people with pets and children could walk right past Walter and not be bothered.

“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,” Cole said.

In a February 2024 Facebook post, Daniel Island Village marked warmer weather after the winter chill with a photo of the alligator hanging out by a pond.

“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 threatened and federally protected species, but state law allows permits to be given to kill or remove them if they threaten people.

At least six people have been killed by alligators in South Carolina in the past decade.

The apartment complex has been issued a permit the past two years to remove an alligator if they decide it is a nuisance and they can hire a contractor to get rid of the animal, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said in a statement.

The statement last week from property managers said Walter's death followed state law and “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 said.