South Carolina Residents Hold Vigil After Local Alligator Killed: 'He Was a Part of the Community'

Residents of a South Carolina apartment complex are speaking out in anger after a beloved alligator that frequented the property was killed.

The 12-year-old American alligator — named Walter by many of the complex's longtime residents — was euthanized at the Daniel Island Village in Charleston, S.C., on Thursday, March 13, after the apartment complex's management reportedly received complaints about the animal, according to local ABC affiliate WCIV and CBS affiliate WCSC.

However, residents now argue that new management at this complex is to blame for the alligator's death, as they told WCSC that "he didn't bother anybody."

"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," one resident, Susan Chapman, told WCSC. "He was killed right here on the banks of this beautiful pond last week."

"He didn’t bother anybody," another resident, Rebekah Cole, told WCIV. "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 and our little PR person. So not just the act of him being killed, but why? It just broke all our hearts."

Residents were so discouraged by Walter's death that they planned a vigil on Saturday, March 15, at the apartment complex's clubhouse to honor the animal, according to WCIV. Speakers included residents and even a local Berkeley County councilman, Jarrod Brooks. Residents took a moment of silence, walked to the pond he lived in and shared speeches about what they described as the alligator's positive impact on the neighborhood, the outlet reported.

The spot where pest control killed the alligator is now decorated with blue ribbons, WCIV added.

"We would walk by, and we’d see him, and he just [hung] out by the water, enjoying his best life," Chapman added of the animal. "When you walked by Walter, he didn't even acknowledge you. He was just lying there by the water."

"... In the 12 years he was here, he’s never had a single incident of doing anything to a person or a pet," she continued.

A statement from the property's management noted that managers contacted the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) "to ensure the safety of our residents and their pets," although they acknowledged that "news about his passing can be distressing and [we] sincerely appreciate your understanding," according to the Associated Press.

"In the future, please continue to abide by posted signage about not feeding wildlife, including alligators. For everyone’s safety, if you observe displaced wildlife in our community, please do not interfere," the statement continued.

According to the SCDNR, male alligators can grow to more than 14 feet long and 1,000 pounds, while females can exceed 10 feet and 250 pounds. They "readily" eat any animal they can hunt, including domestic pets like cats and dogs.

Only individuals with proper licenses or permits can hunt alligators in South Carolina, the organization adds, and Southern states including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia and more have programs that allow licensed hunters and other individuals to control nuisance alligators.

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The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources also told the AP in a statement that the apartment complex has been given a permit for the past two years to remove an alligator if they determine it has become a nuisance. They can hire a contractor to remove the animal.

The SCDNR did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further information.

Cole told WCSC that she hopes others can learn a lesson from Walter's death about living peacefully alongside wild animals.

"I don’t want to see this happen," she added. "The next time a gator comes, there will be more. It’s mating season. So, if we can prevent this from happening again, I’m more than willing to do whatever I have to do."