A series of unnerving Cat in the Hat sightings reported in different parts of the world has taken a troubling new turn, after a costumed person was accused of chasing a teenage girl in Canada.
Authorities are now searching for the unidentified suspect, who allegedly pursued the teen through a neighborhood in the Okanagan last month, the West Kelowna Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said.
A haunting image released in connection with the case appears to show the suspect standing on a dimly lit street, dressed head to toe as the Cat in the Hat, complete with the character’s signature red-and-white striped hat and gloves.
The incident happened at about 9pm on August 24 as the girl, who has not been publicly identified, was walking near the 2000 block of Shamrock Drive, according to Global News.
She told investigators she was unexpectedly chased by someone dressed like the Cat in the Hat, the famous Dr Seuss character who first appeared in the 1957 children’s book and was later played by Mike Myers in the 2003 live-action film.
The teenager was able to get away unharmed and return home safely, but police said the incident highlights the risks of what they described as a “concerning prank.”
“Regardless of whether the individual intended the behavior as a joke, following a young person and causing them to fear for their safety is extremely concerning,” Corporal Devon Gerrits said in a statement.
Gerrits noted that wearing a costume is not illegal, but said pursuing someone in a manner that makes them fear for their safety may amount to criminal harassment.
A string of unsettling Cat in the Hat encounters around the world has taken another turn, with a person in costume accused of chasing a teenage girl in Canada last month
A chilling photo shows the suspect lurking on a darkened street in a full Cat in the Hat suit, wearing the character’s unmistakable red-and-white striped hat and gloves
The beloved Dr Seuss character was first introduced in the 1957 book before being portrayed by Mike Myers in the 2003 live action movie
‘People should understand that behavior intended as a prank can have serious consequences when it causes another person to reasonably fear for their safety,’ he added.
Authorities are asking anyone with dashcam or security footage from that night to contact the West Kelowna RCMP.
The department also urged parents to tell children who believe they are being followed to head to a safe, populated location, contact a trusted adult and call 911 if they are in immediate danger.
The recent incident comes amid a string of Cat in the Hat encounters reported at schools across the UK, Ireland and the US, sparking fear among children, parents and staff.
The ominous appearances have since been dubbed a viral trend, with people posting photos of life sized versions of the Dr Seuss character standing perfectly still as they loom outside windows.
In Kentucky, administrators were forced to close school late last month after AI generated images of the character targeted both schools and individuals, according to the Courier Journal.
‘We have no information that these messages represent a credible threat to student safety,’ a letter from Eric Davis, the Director of Student Services for Oldham County Schools, said.
‘This trend has appeared in numerous districts nationwide over the past two months,’ he added, according to the outlet.
Over the past week, several police departments and school districts across Texas have also issued warnings about the ‘trend’
The ominous appearances have since been dubbed a viral trend, with people posting photos of life sized versions of the Dr Seuss character
Some posts appear to be targeting specific schools and individuals
‘In nearly every documented case, law enforcement has determined the content to be fabricated, using anonymous accounts and AI-generated images to provoke fear rather than carry out any actual act of violence.’
In Florida, a 15-year-old was charged with multiple felonies after police linked him to threats against a high school posted on TikTok.
Over the past week, several police departments and school districts across Texas have also issued warnings about the ‘trend,’ according to Fox 26 Houston News.
Authorities said children are manufacturing fake Cat in the Hat sightings by editing, recreating and reposting videos to make it appear the character has been spotted near their schools or neighborhoods.
More than 10 juveniles have been arrested nationwide over similar posts, officials revealed.
Last month, youngsters in the UK and Ireland became convinced someone was out to cause them harm, echoing the killer clown craze of 2016, when false rumors of organized violence swept across the internet.
A clip of someone dressed in the original Cat in the Hat costume, captioned ‘Help, what do I do?,’ racked up 15 million views in just three weeks.
Other posts claimed the ‘killer’ cat was coming for specific areas, including one chilling warning that read: ‘Kent I’m coming. Lock your doors.’
Youngsters in the UK and Ireland became convinced someone was out to cause them harm, echoing the killer clown craze of 2016, when false rumors of organized violence swept across the internet
Videos purporting to show a creepy Cat in the Hat figure prowling Britain’s streets have been viewed millions of times on social media
As with the incidents across the US, police are finding that the videos are AI generated and reassured the public there was no real threat
In some cases, users posted footage apparently captured by Ring doorbells, showing the creepy figure marching toward unsuspecting homes.
Skye, 16, told the BBC: ‘I was having a sleepover but everyone started watching Cat in the Hat videos. It was 3am. I wanted to go home.
‘When I started walking down my friends’ driveway, I got totally freaked out that the Cat in the Hat was going to jump out. I had to call my mum to pick me up,’ she added.
But as with the incidents across the US, police determined after investigating that the videos were AI generated and reassured the public there was no real threat.
