The South Carolina apartment is staying up all night for a community crocodile named Walter who was killed after several complaints about him were filed.
Gators called the Daniel Island Village pond home for over a decade, often relaxing on the grass and soaking in the sunlight.
Residents of the complex said no one bothered them as they struggled to guess why the reptile was killed for so long after he lived in the area.
“He was part of the community. He was a cold-blooded animal, but we all loved him and it tore us.” WCIV-TV.
Walter was frequently celebrated on the complex's own social media. a Final Post The crocodile featured before his death was posted in February 2024.
“Dayday Time is coming to an end! It's getting warmer! Daniel Island Village is on the brink of beautiful flowers! The evidence is in the pudding, Walter is out!!” The post read.
Crocodiles are federally protected species, but South Carolina law allows people to kill or remove them if they threaten them.
Over the past decade, at least six people have been killed by crocodiles in the Palmetto Province. Management of the apartment complex did not cite any particular incident as a reason for killing Walter, noting that several complaints have been filed about his presence.
The complex had given permission for the past two years, allowing the crocodile to be removed if it deemed a nuisance or threat. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said in a statement that they were also free to hire contractors to drive Walter away.
Last week, the Daniel Island Village real estate manager assured Walter's death was in compliance with state law and “the news about his death has become painful and (we) can truly thank you for your understanding.”
“In the future, please continue to adhere to posted signs about not feeding wildlife, including crocodiles. For the safety of all, please do not interfere if you observe evacuated wildlife in our community,” added Property Management.
With post wire
