Ronald McDonald Is Keeping a Low Profile Amid Scary Clown Sightings

McDonald's says Ronald McDonald is keeping a low profile with reports of creepy clown sightings on the rise.

McDonald's Corp. said on Tuesday that it is being "thoughtful in respect to Ronald McDonald's participation in community events" as a result of the "current climate around clown sightings in communities." The company did not provide any other details about how often its red-haired mascot makes appearances, and how that will change.

The burger chain's decision comes after a rash of pranks around the country that have involved eerie clown sightings. According to a recent article from the Washington Post, some of these clowns have reportedly attempted to lure children into dark, wooded areas or suspicious vehicles, while others have sinisterly watched or waved at residents from afar. Some have even gone as far as creating social media accounts, via which they are sending threatening messages to schools.

In fact, one school district in Connecticut just banned clown costumes all together after a social media account with the handle @newhavenclown posted creepy images of bloodied clowns with a list of names as "targets."