Story highlights The announcement comes amid a spike in creepy clown sightings in the US

No one's really sure what's with the clowns

(CNN) Well, at least we won't be seeing one creepy clown so much.

McDonald's announced Monday that Ronald McDonald is going on the down low.

His appearances will be limited due to the rise in clown-related disturbances in the US and more recently around the world.

"McDonald's and franchisees in local markets are mindful of the current climate around clown sightings in communities and as such are being thoughtful with respect to Ronald McDonald's participation in community events for the time being," McDonald's spokeswoman Terri Hickey told CNN in an email.

Coulrophobia (n): The fear of clowns. Not actually characterized as a psychological disorder, but completely understandable nonetheless.