The explosion of online folklore and fear of so-called “creepy clowns" has prompted police officers, teachers and government officials to unite to put an end to the prank.
Photos of clowns lurking in the woods of Halifax-area high schools have been popping up on social media sites.
As police investigate the source of the threats, they aren't taking any chances.
“You could be looking at public mischief charges. If they’re making threats, you could be looking at uttering threats, and if you're jumping out and grabbing people, you could even be looking at assault charges,” said Halifax Regional Police spokesperson Wendy Mansfield.
In Lakeville Corner, N.B., RCMP are investigating what appeared to be a clown jumping in front of cars. And on Wednesday in the Sackville, N.B., area, there was a report of two people in clown costumes following another car.
In Nova Scotia, Barrington RCMP arrested a Clarks Harbour man wearing a clown mask and grabbing at the clothing of a young boy.
Police also arrested two teens in Colchester County after alleged clown-related threats were made online.
Halifax Regional Police say while high schools seem to be the intended target, these clown sightings have sparked concern amongst students in all grades.
“They’re pretty scary, I don’t want none of them coming up at me,” said Grade 12 student Dante Patten.
Police say officers are working closely with the school board to make sure schools and students stay safe.
On its website, the Halifax Regional School board said its schools are “aware of the threats” and is "taking them into account as they go through their daily routines, including monitoring access to their sites."
And in Fredericton, students with information about a safety or security concern are "urged to notify school officials or police immediately."
The superintendents of school boards across Nova Scotia met with the Deputy Minister of Education on Thursday to discuss the on-going threats, how many there are, where they are, and why they keep happening.
Nova Scotia Education Minister Karen Casey has asked the Department of Justice and RCMP to investigate.
“Children are becoming very frightened,” said Casey. “I’m hearing from parents who say their children are afraid to walk to school, especially if they’re seeing on social media some of these faces which to little children are frightening, not funny.”
Police have ramped up their school patrols so instead of clown costumes, students will be seeing a different kind of uniform.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelly Linehan.
