Reindeer eating cemetery flowers in Lapland – herding districts not liable for damages

Reindeer are increasingly grazing on flowers planted at cemeteries across Finnish Lapland, forcing some parishes to abandon floral tributes, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle. Herding districts, which manage reindeer populations, are not legally required to compensate for the damage.

The issue has become particularly acute in Kolari, where the local parish announced it would no longer place flower arrangements on war graves after reindeer repeatedly destroyed them last summer. The parish considered installing fencing but deemed it impractical.

Broken fences and gates left open by visitors are the primary causes, allowing reindeer—and occasionally hares—to enter cemetery grounds. In Kemijärvi, officials are assessing fence conditions and beginning repairs, though animals often find ways in even when barriers are intact.

Paula Alatalo, financial manager for Kemijärvi’s parish, said they continue planting flowers but now choose varieties like lychnis (scarlet lightning) and stachys (lamb’s ear), which reindeer find less palatable.

Under Finland’s Reindeer Husbandry Act, herding districts are not obligated to compensate municipalities, the state, or parishes for reindeer-related damage. Hanna Nurmi, executive director of the Association of Finnish Reindeer Herding Cooperatives, noted complaints are rare and often stem from inadequate fencing or open gates. She urged cemeteries to maintain sturdy barriers and educate visitors on closing gates.

Last year, Muonio’s herding district voluntarily reimbursed Kolari parish for the destroyed flowers. However, the parish stated that if the problem recurs, the district would reassess its position.