By Tim Binnall
In an unsettling but not altogether surprising development, the viral AI-generated 'Cat in the Hat' hoax has seemingly spilled into the real world as Canadian authorities are on the hunt for a miscreant who dressed up as the character and menaced a teenage girl. According to a press release from the West Kelowna RCMP in British Columbia, the creepy incident occurred on the evening of August 24th at around 9 PM as the young woman was walking home. The evening stroll took a troubling turn, they explained, when the teen suddenly found herself being chased by an individual dressed as the Cat in the Hat. Fortunately, the pursuit was fruitless as "the youth was able to reach her residence safely."
Calling the incident a "concerning prank," the West Kelowna RCMP indicated that they are investigating the report and hoping to "identify the individual involved." The unnerving event was undoubtedly inspired by the viral AI-generated 'Cat in the Hat' hoax that has made headlines the past few weeks. However, in this instance, it appears the encounter was a genuine case of someone donning the unusual costume and causing mischief, rather than a computer fabrication, as the press release called on residents and businesses in the area to check their security footage for signs of the ne'er-do-well. One can only hope that the late-August incident was a one-off event rather than the start of a troubling new trend as spooky season gets underway.