Stephen: Science explains why so many people are afraid of clowns

A new survey indicates that 53.5% of people are scared of clowns to some degree, and women are more at risk of coulrophobia.

Of 987 adults surveyed, 5% said they were extremely afraid of clowns, and the fear decreases with age.

Of the 53.5% who reported some degree of fear, reasons included an “eerie”, uncanny valley feeling, exaggerated facial features, clowns’ unpredictable behavior, and negative portrayals of clowns in popular culture.