Federal authorities are investigating the discovery of what is believed to be at least 70 cremated human remains dumped in the desert roughly an hour south of Las Vegas.
The Bureau of Land Management confirmed it is looking into the remains found on Tuesday, Aug. 26, near Searchlight, Nevada, just off U.S. 95, according to KLAS, Fox 5 Vegas, and The Nevadan.
Officials have not yet released details about how the remains ended up in the desert or the reasons behind their disposal.
KLAS reported that the discovery was made by someone who happened upon the site and later contacted police. The individual, who has not been identified, photographed the large piles of ashes scattered across the barren desert floor, surrounded by cacti and brush.
While Nevada law permits scattering ashes on public lands, KLAS noted that the state restricts how many cremated remains can be released for “commercial” purposes.
As of Wednesday, Aug. 27, no charges have been announced in connection with the case.
PEOPLE has reached out to a Bureau of Land Management spokesperson for further comment.
