Ronald McDonald in hiding after rise of ‘creepy clown’ sightings

Ronald McDonald is lying low after reports of creepy clown sightings around the world are on the rise.

It’s in response to the rise of “creepy clown” sightings that have gripped the U. S., parts of Canada as well as England and Australia.

READ MORE: ‘Creepy Clown’ sightings: Why the epidemic is spreading across Canada and the U.S.

McDonald’s Corp. said 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 reports started in August, when children in South Carolina said they spotted a few clowns near an apartment complex.

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The sightings spread over the following months, eventually making their way north to Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Western Canada.

Students in south Okanhagen were recently sent home with a letter addressing what the parental advisory group called “clown-related threats.”

“It’s imperative that you talk to your children about reporting these threats if they see them on social media and bring them to the attention of school officials and/or law enforcement,” the advisory reads.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's imperative that you talk to your children about reporting these threats if they see them on social media and bring them to the attention of school officials and/or law enforcement," the advisory reads.

“Many students see this as a prank and not as a criminal behaviour.”

The phenomenon, fuelled by social media, has occupied and caused major disruption in public even garnering a reponse from the White House.

WATCH: White House forced to comment on creepy clown epidemic

1:04 White House forced to comment on creepy clown epidemic

*with files from Andrew Russel, Lauren Pullen and The Associated Press