Canadian police are hunting a person dressed as the Cat in the Hat after a teenage girl was reportedly chased home in West Kelowna, British Columbia.22:26, 10 Sep 2026Updated 22:27, 10 Sep 2026A police hunt is underway for a person dressed in a Cat in the Hat costume who reportedly chased a teenage girl home.‌An image was shared by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of the dressed-up figure who pursued the youngster home along Shamrock Drive in West Kelowna, British Columbia, around 9pm on August 24.‌The Cat in the Hat children's character has been a viral meme in recent months where AI images have been made of the creepy clown in streets and outside people's homes. In some more worrying cases in the US, threats have been made including against schools.‌Police in Canada are now investigating a disturbing incident in which a person dressed in a full Cat in the Hat costume reportedly chased a teenage girl, who managed to reach home safely“Regardless of whether the individual intended the behaviour as a joke, following a young person and causing them to fear for their safety is extremely concerning,” Cpl. Devon Gerrits of the West Kelowna Royal Canadian Mounted Police said.‌“People should understand that behaviour intended as a prank can have serious consequences when it causes another person to reasonably fear for their safety."And the police are calling on the help of the public to find the person wearing the Cat in the Hat costume."Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are seeking to identify the individual involved," read a statement.‌"While wearing a costume is not, in itself, a criminal offence, following or pursuing another person in a manner that causes them to reasonably fear for their safety may constitute criminal harassment, depending on the circumstances and evidence gathered during the investigation."Other potential offences, including assault, uttering threats or intimidation, may also be considered where the evidence supports them."It added: "Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour or has information that may assist investigators is asked to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers."Article continues belowMeanwhile in Limerick, Ireland, last month Gardai were forced to issue a statement after a person dressed as Cat in the Hat appeared to be wandering the streets at night, standing in driveways, and causing alarm among residents. The Gardai explained that the images were not real.The images first appeared on Facebook, although at the time they were rumoured to have originated on Snapchat, and were accompanied by false and misleading reports that authorities were investigating the cartoon character's appearance.The hoax was not just limited to Limerick, with fake images of the black and white feline emerging in the likes of Glanmire, Cork, in Cahir, Tipperary, in Curracloe, Wexford, and Broadford Park in Dublin adding to the hysteria online.