On Saturday, March 15th, 2025, residents of Daniel Island Village apartment complex in South Carolina gathered for a vigil to honor Walter, an alligator who had lived by a pond on the property for over a decade.
Walter, a beloved figure in the community, was killed the previous day, Friday, March 14th, following complaints reported to the management over the past week. The decision to euthanize him was carried out by contractors from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, in line with state protocols for handling alligators deemed a risk to residents or pets.
Neighbors described Walter as a peaceful presence, often seen sunning himself by the pond, and noted that he never bothered people, even those walking by with children or pets.
The vigil, organized by resident Rebekah Cole, featured a moment of silence, a prayer and shared reflections on Walter’s role in the community that culminated in a walk to his former pondside haunt. The event reflected the deep affection many felt for Walter, with Cole expressing that despite being a “cold-blooded animal,” he was a cherished part of their lives.
The apartment complex management acknowledged Walter’s death followed state law, as alligators are protected but can be removed under permit if considered a nuisance.
The incident stirred emotions with residents mourning the loss of a local icon who had even been featured in a February 2024 Facebook post by the complex, celebrating his emergence as a sign of spring.
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