Schools and law enforcement across the United States are warning about a viral social media trend involving unsettling or AI-generated images of the "Cat in the Hat" from Dr. Seuss's classic children's book. This trend, which began on Snapchat, features videos or images of the character—often resembling the version played by actor Mike Myers in the 2003 movie—lurking near homes, schools, or streets at night. Some of these posts are AI-generated, while others involve real people in costumes. In some cases, the videos include threatening messages directed at specific towns or schools, with some even naming individuals or listing supposed targets. The trend first appeared in Ireland and the United Kingdom in August 2026 before spreading rapidly to parts of the U.S. and Canada, according to the BBC. Authorities are emphasizing that even if these posts are meant as pranks, they can still be considered criminal harassment if they cause people to fear for their safety. In Hutchinson, Kansas, a 15-year-old was arrested after allegedly creating a TikTok account that referenced the Cat in the Hat trend and posted threatening content toward students. The Hutchinson Police Department confirmed that the juvenile was charged with two counts of criminal threat. In a statement, the department said, “Threats of any nature are taken seriously by the Hutchinson Police Department and Hutchinson High School. Regardless of whether a post is intended as a joke, it is unlawful to cause others, particularly students, to fear for their safety.” In Worth County, Georgia, two students from Worth County High School are facing charges after participating in the viral social media hoax. School officials confirmed that both students are being charged and will also face disciplinary action. In response to the trend, some schools have increased police presence as a precaution. For example, the Grand Junction Police Department in Colorado said it boosted its presence at West Middle School and Grand Junction High School “out of an abundance of caution” following a Cat in the Hat post. This led to the arrest of a 14-year-old student. As the trend continues to spread, law enforcement agencies are urging students to report any safety concerns to a trusted adult, school administrator, or local authorities rather than sharing or reposting the content. Officials emphasize the importance of addressing such threats promptly to ensure the safety of students and communities.