FRANKLIN — The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office warned the public about a Cat in the Hat trend that is circulating online nationwide. 

According to the sheriff's office, the trend involves images of the Cat in the Hat paired with vague or specific threats directed at schools.

While most of the posts are hoaxes, local adolescents may be sharing, reposting and creating their own versions as they find the trend amusing, the sheriff's office said. 

Deputies are actively investigating any potential local activity tied to the trend. 

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office released the following statement regarding the posts:

"We need to be absolutely clear about the legal realities of this trend. Making, sharing, or reposting threats to a school is not a game, and it is not a joke. It is a crime. Students who participate in this can face severe legal consequences, including charges, as well as immediate disciplinary action from the school system."