Daniel Island neighbors mourn ‘unnecessary killing’ of Walter the alligator

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A public vigil was held Saturday to honor a beloved alligator in a Daniel Island neighborhood that some say was unnecessarily killed.

Residents in the Daniel Island Village community said the alligator, named Walter, was baited and killed by a contractor hired by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, at the property manager’s request, despite the creature showing no signs of aggression.

Kelly Gaskins said Walter peacefully coexisted with residents for 12 years.

In an email to News 2, Gaskins said Walter was a well-known and admired resident of the neighborhood whose presence was a unique part of the local ecosystem. Gaskins added the community’s regional property manager cited concerns that the alligator was sunbathing too close to buildings.

“The Daniel Island Village community believes that Walter’s death represents a significant failure to prioritize coexistence with wildlife, particularly as urban development continues to encroach on their natural habitats. The area has already seen substantial destruction of local wildlife environments, and Walter’s peaceful presence was a reminder of the importance of protecting the animals that remain,” said Gaskins.

A public vigil was held Saturday to honor Walter and raise awareness about the importance of compassion and care for wildlife. It included a moment of silence, prayer, and community members shared stories about the positive impact Walter had on the neighborhood.

News 2 reached out to the property manager Saturday. We are waiting for a response.