Police seek person accused of chasing B.C. teen in Cat in the Hat costume

Police in West Kelowna, B.C., are looking for a person who was wearing a Cat in the Hat costume when they allegedly chased a teenager walking in the Okanagan community.

RCMP have released few details, saying only that the girl got home safely and the suspect has not been identified. A police photo shows the person standing on a street at night in a full Cat in the Hat suit, including the character's distinctive red-and-white striped hat.

Police described the incident as a concerning prank. Wearing the costume is not a criminal offence, they said, but following someone in a manner that makes them fear for their safety may constitute criminal harassment.

The Cat in the Hat first appeared in Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel's 1957 book of the same name and later inspired a 2003 live-action film starring Canadian actor Mike Myers.

West Kelowna RCMP are asking anyone with dash-camera or security footage from about 9 p.m. on Aug. 24 in the 2000 block of Shamrock Drive to contact them. Cpl. Devon Gerrits said in a statement issued Tuesday that following a young person and causing them to fear for their safety is extremely concerning, whether or not it was intended as a joke. Conduct intended as a prank can have serious consequences when it gives another person reasonable cause to fear for their safety, he said.

Police are also reminding parents to tell children who believe they are being followed to move toward a safe, populated place, contact a trusted adult and call 911 if they are in immediate danger. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 8, 2026.