With new threats of clowns, coulrophobia, the fear of clowns, is beginning to take the nation by storm.

Clown sightings have been occurring in the United States since August, beginning in South Carolina, with reports of clowns trying to lure children into woods (Time.com).

Since then, menacing clowns have been reported in 33 states, one of those being Ohio (Heavy.com).

In Reading, Ohio, a clown grabbed a woman by the throat and made threats regarding the local middle school and high school (CBSnews.com).

Junior John Pierron mentioned he is somewhat afraid of the clowns, yet he believes a majority of the clowns are just trying to scare people, not harm them. 

A 15-year-old boy from Fairborn, Ohio, used a clown persona to make threats toward other Fairborn students, according to CBS News. 

The hysteria has driven some people to take matters into their own hands by going “clown hunting.”

Students at Penn State were especially motivated to hunt clowns when hearing of alleged clown sightings in the area. A hashtag was even started called “#PennStateClownMob,” yet no clowns were actually sighted (nypost.com). 

Freshman Drew Haker said he would immediately take a video if he saw a clown, and would likely run toward it to see what would happen.

In a Twitter poll, 47% of Northmont students said they were terrified of clowns, while 11% said they would video the incident like Haker. Approximately one-fourth of Northmont students are unbothered by the clowns.

SURGE READERS: What do you think?