Clowns are scary, and as of recently, they have been causing many people extreme anxiety.

Social media has exploded over the last couple weeks with sketchy video's and tweets of clown sightings causing groups of people to legitimately go "clown hunting." People around the country have been losing sleep over the thought of a clown showing up to their windows. So why all the sudden are people dressing up as creepy clowns? Lets start from the beginning.

Stephen King, an author from Bangor, Maine (shout out to my hometown) wrote a book called "It" that later turned into one of the scariest movies ever produced. The overall plot is a "being" terrorizes seven children by becoming their biggest fear- which is a clown. This is no ordinary clown, as he doesn't make balloon animals or make funny jokes-he's incredibly creepy looking, and thus the scary clown was implanted into our imaginations and clowns were forever ruined for people like me. Thanks, Steve.

"It" was just a movie until recently a group of creepy clowns began threatening kids and luring them out of their homes in South Carolina. This started a frenzy and with social media exploding over the threat of creepy clowns, sightings started popping up all over the country. Everywhere people turned, clowns started showing up. Twitter pages were created to tell people where there were clown siting's, as well as warnings to stay away if you see one, because nobody is sure of whether or not they are dangerous.

Siting's ranged from middle schools, college universities, and on random roads and trails around the U.S. The threat of these clowns has become so frequent and unnerving, that several schools have had lockdowns due to the threat of clowns terrorizing them. Students at Penn State decided to take action, and over 1000 students went "clown hunting," after a clown was spotted on campus. Many local police forces have become aware of the siting's and have been on high alert for any sightings that might become a real threat.

The Orono Maine Police Department released a statement via their Facebook page on Tuesday after a Snapchat of a clown walking around the Reserve apartment complexes raised suspicion and anxiety to UMaine students. The statement said:

The Orono Police Department is well aware of the clown sightings within our town tonight. I know with the recent news around the country that this is making several residents nervous. Let me make myself very clear, there is NO indication as of now that who ever is doing this is dangerous. We will not tolerate anyone harassing, threatening or trespassing on property. If someone wants to do this to purposely scare people, we will handle them accordingly.

Please know we are out there and call us if you need us.

Police Departments around the country have been posting similar statements, assuring citizens that this clown business will not be tolerated. Even President Obama has been briefed on the situation. With many false reports of clowns killing people, and chasing people with knives, officials have sought to remind us that no deaths or injuries have occurred yet, and that this is most likely a prank to scare people. They are just people behind masks, and they post no real threat YET.

So as creepy as these clowns are, most of them are just people trying to scare you. However, if you're scared enough just by seeing them, here a are a few tips on how to avoid them or fight back if you have to.

1. Stop going into the woods at night

You're just asking for it if you wander around the woods at 12am. If you don't have a reason to be there, then don't be there.

2. Stop giving them the attention that they want

These people are most likely just trying to get a rise out of you. If everyone just ignores them, they'll most likely go away.

3. If you're in your car, don't freak out. A car is stronger than a clown.

I'm not saying hit them with your car, but if they actually run at you with a knife, that's self-defense right?

4. If you see them on foot, you probably shouldn't run toward them.

Don't be like every idiot in scary movies that runs toward the creepy noises. Whether they threaten you or not, go the opposite direction. Also, I hear clowns are very scared of make-up wipes, try tossing one in their direction and see what happens.

5. STOP LOOKING FOR THEM

If you go looking for them, you're probably going to find them. Just avoid sketchy areas, and you should be fine.

In conclusion, take a deep breath. This is just another trend that will probably die out like everything else does. Don't be stupid, and you should be fine. If you see a clown, don't freak out- it probably won't hurt you. Lastly, if you're planning on dressing as a clown to creep people out, don't be surprised when people decide to fight back. We might not be clowns, but the joke will be on you.