DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. — On Saturday, residents of a coastal apartment complex in South Carolina came together to pay tribute to Walter, a well-known alligator who had been a fixture at the property for more than ten years. Walter, who was recognized as a beloved part of the community, was put down following complaints, according to a statement from Daniel Island Village.
The alligator, known for basking beside a pond near Charleston, had earned both a name and a bit of local fame among those who lived nearby. Rebekah Cole, who organized the gathering, explained that Walter coexisted peacefully with residents, their children, and pets, often seen strolling past him without incident.
“He was more than just an alligator; he was part of our community,” Cole remarked, expressing the collective sentiment of loss. “Despite being a reptile, he was well-loved by us all, and his death has deeply affected us.”
Reflecting on Walter’s presence, a Facebook post from Daniel Island Village in February 2024 celebrated the arrival of warmer weather with an image of Walter by the pond. The post expressed excitement about the changing seasons and noted, “The proof is in the pudding, WALTER is OUT!!”
Although alligators are considered a threatened and federally protected species, South Carolina law allows them to be removed if they pose a threat to human safety. Over the past ten years, at least six people have lost their lives to alligator encounters in the state. The apartment complex had previously secured a permit to remove a nuisance alligator if necessary, as confirmed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Management of the property affirmed that the decision to euthanize Walter adhered to state regulations, acknowledging that news of his death could be upsetting. They expressed their appreciation for the community’s understanding and reminded residents to heed warnings against feeding wildlife for safety reasons. They also advised against interfering with wildlife within the community.
