Wildcat Ash Scattering: Scattering Ashes Without Permission
More Americans these days are scattering loved ones’ ashes widely, with great purpose and often without permission—an act known in the funeral industry as a “wildcat scattering.” It’s a reflection of both the marked rise in cremation and the growing desire by people to find their own ways to ritualize grief.
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In the past decade, more than 40 companies have been created to help people scatter ashes legally on land and sea by getting permissions and permits. But most families opt for wildcat scatterings, surreptitiously spreading ashes in favorite parks, stadiums, fishing spots or wherever else feels meaningful.
Scientists agree that there is no health or environmental hazard from the spread of human ashes. . . . Despite this, theme parks, sports facilities and other public facilities often discourage the scattering of ashes or decline requests, though some stadiums, typically overseas, designate certain areas where it is permitted.
Normally, only the most serious wildcat scatterers are caught. For example, one man ran onto the field during halftime at a Philadelphia Eagles game and spread his mother’s on the grass. He was fined $100 and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service.
See Jeffery Zaslow, Love, Honor, Cherish and Scatter, WSJ, Feb. 3, 2010.
Special thanks to Joel Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this to my attention.