Outrage Erupts After Beloved Alligator, Walter, Is Killed at South Carolina Apartment Complex
Residents of Daniel Island Village, an apartment complex nestled along the picturesque South Carolina coast in Charleston, are reeling from shock and grief following the tragic killing of Walter, a long-time alligator resident who had become an integral part of their community. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and accusations against the apartment complex’s management, who residents claim orchestrated Walter’s demise despite his harmless nature and beloved status.
For over a decade, Walter had been a familiar sight, basking in the sun near the pond that graced the property. Residents fondly recall their daily encounters with the alligator, who they say never posed a threat and had even become a local "PR person" of sorts. Rebekah Cole, a six-year resident with a balcony overlooking the pond, often observed Walter lounging by the water’s edge. "He didn’t bother anybody," she emphasized. "I mean, we have a dog, and we’ve gone by him a million times – big dogs, little dogs, children. He’s just been a staple here."
The idyllic coexistence came to an abrupt and horrifying end when, according to residents, the new management team deemed Walter a risk and hired a trapper to remove him. Susan Chapman, a resident of the complex, revealed that the decision stemmed from management’s perception of Walter as a potential threat. "We have new management here at Daniel Island Village, and they felt that he was a risk for residents, so they called and had a trapper come and take him," Chapman stated.
The manner of Walter’s death has further fueled the community’s anger and sorrow. Cole recounted the distressing scene that unfolded as the trapper attempted to capture Walter using a fishing pole baited with chicken. When Walter resisted and sought refuge in the pond, the trapper managed to hook him around the neck and drag him ashore. In a moment of unimaginable horror, Cole and other onlookers watched as the trapper "just took his knife and found and slit his throat in front of all of us."
The gruesome killing of Walter has left residents heartbroken and questioning the management’s decision. Cole expressed the collective sentiment, stating, "So not just the act of him being killed, but why? It just broke all our hearts. The thing is now he’s gone."
In the wake of Walter’s death, residents organized a vigil around the pond where he had spent so much of his time. The gathering served as an opportunity for the community to mourn their loss, share cherished memories, and express their collective grief. Cole poignantly described Walter as "a piece of the community," adding, "Even though he was a cold-blooded animal, we all loved him, and it tore us all up." The vigil included a moment of silence, prayer, and the placement of a blue ribbon at Walter’s favorite lounging spot as a symbol of remembrance.
The apartment complex’s management issued a statement asserting that Walter’s death complied with state law and expressed appreciation for the community’s understanding. However, this statement has done little to quell the residents’ anger and dissatisfaction. The management has not yet responded to requests for further comment.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) confirmed that the apartment complex had been issued a permit for the past two years, allowing them to address any alligator-related issues at their discretion. According to the SCDNR, the permit authorized the management to hire a contractor to remove the animal. "This year, the community chose to use its permit on this animal and the community hired a nuisance wildlife company to carry this out," the statement said. The SCDNR clarified that they were not involved in the removal or killing of Walter.
The community’s outrage is further amplified by the revelation that the apartment complex had previously celebrated Walter’s presence. In a February 2024 Facebook post, the management shared a photo of Walter basking in the sun with the caption: "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 comments section of the post has since been flooded with expressions of grief and condemnation of Walter’s killing.
Driven by a desire for justice and accountability, some community members have contacted state legislators, urging them to take legal action. Chapman explained, "some community members have even contacted state legislators about Walters killing and hope the govt. takes legal action."
While alligators are protected under federal law as a threatened species, state law allows for their removal and killing if they pose a threat to humans. The SCDNR emphasizes that it is illegal to feed alligators or keep them as pets.
The tragic death of Walter has exposed a deep divide between the residents of Daniel Island Village and its management. What was once a peaceful coexistence has been shattered, leaving behind a community in mourning and demanding answers. The incident raises important questions about the balance between human safety, wildlife conservation, and the ethical treatment of animals within residential communities. The residents’ fight for justice for Walter reflects a growing concern for the preservation of wildlife and the need for responsible and compassionate management practices.
