FILE - In this Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, file photo, Ronald McDonald waves to the crowd during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in New York. McDonald’s says Ronald McDonald is keeping a low profile with reports of creepy clown sightings on the rise. McDonald’s Corp. said Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, 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 move comes after a rash of hoaxes and pranks about scary clown sightings around the country, which have forced police to check for real threats. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File)

NEW YORK  | McDonald’s says Ronald McDonald is keeping a low profile with reports of creepy clown sightings on the rise.

FILE - In this Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, file photo, Ronald McDonald waves to the crowd during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in New York. McDonald’s says Ronald McDonald is keeping a low profile with reports of creepy clown sightings on the rise. McDonald’s Corp. said Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, 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 move comes after a rash of hoaxes and pranks about scary clown sightings around the country, which have forced police to check for real threats. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File)
FILE – In this Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, file photo, Ronald McDonald waves to the crowd during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in New York. McDonald’s says Ronald McDonald is keeping a low profile with reports of creepy clown sightings on the rise. McDonald’s Corp. said Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, 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 move comes after a rash of hoaxes and pranks about scary clown sightings around the country, which have forced police to check for real threats. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File)
FILE – In this Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, file photo, Ronald McDonald waves to the crowd during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in New York. McDonald’s says Ronald McDonald is keeping a low profile with reports of creepy clown sightings on the rise. McDonald’s Corp. said Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, 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 move comes after a rash of hoaxes and pranks about scary clown sightings around the country, which have forced police to check for real threats. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File)

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 burger chain’s decision comes after a rash of pranks around the country that have involved eerie clown sightings. The reports have forced police in some areas to respond.

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