CALHOUN COUNTY– The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is investigating local references connected to a nationwide “Cat in the Hat” social media trend.

Sheriff Falon Hurst said Friday there is no credible cause for concern locally. However, school resource officers and detectives are reporting and thoroughly investigating every incident.

Hurst warned that students participating in the trend could face school discipline. Depending on a post’s content, they could also face criminal consequences.

What the Trend Involves

The nationwide trend uses an ominous version of the familiar Dr. Seuss character. Images and videos often show the character outside schools, homes, or other recognizable locations.

Some content appears to have been created using artificial intelligence. Other posts include school names, community names, student names, or threatening messages.

Although some participants may view the posts as pranks, authorities say they create fear. They can also disrupt classes and require extensive investigations.

Police in Grand Junction, Colorado, arrested a 14-year-old student following one related post. Investigators ultimately found no credible threat to the affected schools or community.

Alabama Schools Respond

Walker County Schools reported several related threats against students and schools Monday. The posts referenced Cordova High School, Oakman Middle School, and the Parrish community.

The district contacted families of students mentioned in the posts. Officials also added security while working with the Walker County Sheriff’s Office and local police.

A similar investigation in Chilton County prompted increased law enforcement presence at area schools. Sheriff John Shearon said investigators did not believe the post represented a real threat.

Shearon urged people to report threatening content immediately instead of sharing it. Reposting such material can spread fear, create confusion, and complicate an investigation.

Alabama Law Carries Serious Consequences

WEIS previously reported that Gov. Kay Ivey signed House Bill 7 in April. The strengthened terrorist-threat law took effect July 1.

Under the new Alabama law, students charged with terrorist threats face immediate classroom suspension pending a due-process hearing. They cannot return until charges are resolved and a mental health examination is completed.

Students found guilty must be expelled. Whether a particular social media post violates the law depends on its content and the evidence investigators uncover.

Authorities advise families to report concerning posts directly to school administrators or law enforcement. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office said every local reference will continue receiving serious attention.