ADVERTISEMENT

Regular drivers have no doubt encountered signage that made them do a double take. From strange symbols to truly ominous texts and warnings, some drivers have likely wondered “What the hell happened here?”

So people from around the world have documented the most scary, weird, and threatening signs they have encountered in the wild. From warnings against ghostly sounds to truly demented facial expressions, oddities can be found everywhere. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorite examples, and comment your thoughts below. 

RELATED:
    #2

    Just Saw This Sign At The Theater When I Was Leaving

    Just Saw This Sign At The Theater When I Was Leaving

    Skrip77 Report

    #3

    These Pedestrian Crossing Signs Look Like Pedestrians Crossing The Street

    These Pedestrian Crossing Signs Look Like Pedestrians Crossing The Street

    BigFlavors Report

    The number one place where one might encounter signs is in and around a road system. Indeed, you basically can’t even go a mile without a handful of them in most places. These date back to the establishment of road systems in general. Throughout Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East, one can still find the old Roman milestones, telling travelers just how far they had gone. 

    While many early signs were set up by the administrators of cities, a significant number started as a way to assist hobbyists. Early cyclers, who wanted to explore the country, would often end up going down hazardous roads without knowing it. So local cycling clubs began to put up warnings, some of which were no doubt as “threatening” as the examples here. 

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #4

    When You Buy The Old Neighborhood's Drug House

    When You Buy The Old Neighborhood's Drug House

    poor-unfortunatesoul Report

    #5

    This Sign Above The Human Cadaver Lab At My University

    This Sign Above The Human Cadaver Lab At My University

    T_Canks Report

    #6

    Ominous Sign At A Disused Nuclear Bunker In Essex

    Ominous Sign At A Disused Nuclear Bunker In Essex

    Top_Brilliant_8662 Report

    Business signage has a pedigree just as old as roads. Indeed, the proverb "A good wine needs no bush," likely comes from a Roman tavern. For less literate citizens, certain symbols would be used, which we might still see today, for example, the white and red of a barber’s pole and three circles for pawnbrokers. 

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #8

    The Racoon's Choice

    The Racoon's Choice

    ScottFilmCritic Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Light Blew Out On A Canadian Wendy’s Sign

    Light Blew Out On A Canadian Wendy’s Sign

    lauraintacoma Report

    #10

    In Chicago Near The Former Site Of The Argonne National Laboratory, An Early Site Used For The Manhattan Project

    In Chicago Near The Former Site Of The Argonne National Laboratory, An Early Site Used For The Manhattan Project

    Either_Coast Report

    #11

    These Have Always Been The Scariest Signs To Me. Those Markers Aren’t Even Close To The River. Great Falls, VA

    These Have Always Been The Scariest Signs To Me. Those Markers Aren’t Even Close To The River. Great Falls, VA

    hallowissmol Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    MontanaMariner
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mt. Sentinel in Missoula, Montana has lines across it from the various water lines of the glacial lake that formed behind ice dams. Dams broke, massive wall of water flooded Washington. Missoula was 1000 feet under water 10000 years ago.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #12

    My Science Teacher Put This On His Door For Lab's Safety Week

    My Science Teacher Put This On His Door For Lab's Safety Week

    Cormax Report

    #13

    I Wish This Sign Had "Aaaaaaaa!" Caption

    I Wish This Sign Had "Aaaaaaaa!" Caption

    butt_huffer42069 Report

    #15

    Weird "Are You Dreaming" Sign Found In A Psychologist's Waiting Room

    Weird "Are You Dreaming" Sign Found In A Psychologist's Waiting Room

    BlueSparksFly Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    EP
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Um… how about a different option. This one is a recipe for a nightmare.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #16

    Michigan Tech Strikes Again

    Michigan Tech Strikes Again

    Jimmy_Slim Report

    #17

    The Numbers Are Exaggerated, But The Warning Is Valid

    The Numbers Are Exaggerated, But The Warning Is Valid

    makerofdust Report

    #23

    A Sign At My Local Nursing Home

    A Sign At My Local Nursing Home

    virgin-sharpshoop Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Lauren S
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is likely a secure dementia wing. Very understandable. Not cursed at all.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #24

    "Stop Extreme Heat Danger" Warning Sign, Death Valley National Park, California, United States

    "Stop Extreme Heat Danger" Warning Sign, Death Valley National Park, California, United States

    MollyMayham Report

    #25

    This Warning Sign

    This Warning Sign

    Kat3410 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Mark
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was a kid, our neighbor hit our elderly Great Dane in the head with a shovel, all because she walked onto "his portion of the sidewalk" in front of our houses. Wish they'd posted the IRL address of this dog killer so I could mail my dogs' poop bags to the d-bag >:(

    Load More Replies...
    rullyman
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We don't know the story. In Wales I have met farmers who have shot pet dogs because the dogs were off lead and worrying sheep (chasing/attacking them). The sheep can die or miscarry from stress

    Alex Martin
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If a dog attacks people or livestock it can legally be killed in self-defense or defense of others. It may be a cuddle buddy to you, but to the other person it can be an aggressive threatening animal endangering human lives or livelihoods. Keep control of your dogs and you won't have to worry about putting up a sign. I've been threatened by dogs dozens of times while hiking on public trails or walking on public sidewalks. Most dogs are chill but some are aggressive and should be kept in a secure yard at home. I was attacked once and injured badly. I'm not going to let that happen again. My health is more important to me than your animal's life.

    SadieCat17 (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My uncle once shot an escaped pet ginuea pig with a shotgun in his yard because it was on his property. I know about this because he was joking how funny it was that it exploded. Psychos exist and you sound like you're projecting.

    Load More Replies...
    Gardener of Weeden
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a neighbor who's dog was killed by neglect while he was on vacation. Long story - but I still have a hard time even looking at the people who were supposed to be caring for the pup - he was the sweetest pup ( even though honestly he had so many health issues, designer dog)

    Riley Quinn
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's always one of these sick freaks in a community. You learn real quick whose house to avoid.

    Pandapoo
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks like it could be on an episode of Fear Thy Neighbor.

    David Paterson
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dogs are deadly. I was recently listening to an amputee explaining how dogs ate his arms and legs. It was terrifying to listen to.

    Tamra
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People are far more deadly than dogs, yet we live amongst them.

    Load More Replies...
    Deborah B
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want the other side of the story. Just in case it's "aggressive dog attacks children" or "rabid dog attacking animals and humans" or "Dog runs into traffic after owners refuse to fence in their yard." There are scenarios where dog killing is necessary or accidental, and crappy neighbours who blame other people for the consequences of their own neglect. Get both sides of the story, before going in with Burn them.

    Bettye McKee
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you've ever had a dog killed by a neighbor, you'll want one of these.

    kath morgan
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Idk. Loose dogs can be a huge problem… there are chicken killing dogs roaming in my friends’ neighbourhood (not feral). It’s dangerous and sad.

    bean overlord (she/they)
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    some d**k with a gun in my neighborhood shot a dog for no reason recently >:(

    DC
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you can throw in the effort of painting and planting a sign, why can't you throw in the effort to remove the danger?

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #26

    Good General Policy

    Good General Policy

    Chunderhoad Report

    #27

    Found On An Abandoned Building 20+ Miles From The Closest Town

    Found On An Abandoned Building 20+ Miles From The Closest Town

    sabrecoffeecat Report

    #28

    This Sign At My Local Hospital

    This Sign At My Local Hospital

    magicbluebear Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Alex Davis
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a sign in a UK hospital, there is a big issue with some public building being discovered to be made from crumbling concrete. Schools, hospitals etc. are at risk from concrete used in the 60's that we've now realised it not very safe. Here is an article from the hospital where this sign is from https://eastangliabylines.co.uk/crumbling-concrete-in-our-regions-hospitals/

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #29

    I Go Camping Here Every Year. There Used To Be A Lake Behind This Sign But The California Drought Took Its Toll

    I Go Camping Here Every Year. There Used To Be A Lake Behind This Sign But The California Drought Took Its Toll

    yungbiscuit Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, definitely swim at your own risk. And the future of children under 14 is screwed accompanied or not.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #30

    On A Commercial Waste Bin

    On A Commercial Waste Bin

    gopniksquatting Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Happy Homemaker
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sadly people don’t always follow this. When I was 15 there was a 17 year old kid who ran away in the ICU next to me. He fell asleep in one of these and the garbage truck didn’t see or hear him and began crushing the garbage, and him. Both his legs had to be amputated below the knee. Be safe people.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #32

    There's A Story Behind Every Sign

    There's A Story Behind Every Sign

    Hawkilles Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Cassie
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my state, the department of transportation was required by state lawmakers to put up signs that read "Do Not Drink From Toilets or Urinals Non-Potable Water" in their rest areas at one point. They had the sings made and put a few up before the law was rescinded and they were required to take them down. I now have one of these signs that was never installed in my living room because I find it amusing. Maybe there's a story or maybe it's just somebody trying to cover their butt so they have no liability if a story does manage to come about.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #33

    McDonald's In Malaysia Is So Scary

    McDonald's In Malaysia Is So Scary

    sheenablue Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It might be a local campaign of honest advertisement. Like:"Billions and billions screwed" or "Here you grow again" or "I'm farting it"

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #35

    Was At The Flower Shop With My Son Today And Saw This Sign. Let's Just Say He Didn't Leave My Side

    Was At The Flower Shop With My Son Today And Saw This Sign. Let's Just Say He Didn't Leave My Side

    shrff50wmr Report

    #36

    Don't Feed The Squirrels In Zion National Park

    Don't Feed The Squirrels In Zion National Park

    hate_mail Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Happy Homemaker
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My grandmother told the story about the time a squirrel fell out of a tree onto a little girl’s head. The squirrel freaked out and so did the child. The squirrel began clawing at her scalp and hair. My grandmother said she would never forget the little girl’s screams. The doctors had a hard time closing her scalp. She had so many stitches and staples and she was scarred for life physically and emotionally.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #37

    Sleeping Bear Dunes

    Sleeping Bear Dunes

    Unclestupidhead Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Bryn
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "may" is the big word here. It depends on age, physical ability, & weather conditions. And how fast or slow you go.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #38

    A Sign From A Local Lighthouse. And They Still Get Tourists Falling In The Ocean

    A Sign From A Local Lighthouse. And They Still Get Tourists Falling In The Ocean

    B34TBOXX5 Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #40

    Wittenoom, Western Australia. Previously An Asbestos Mining Town

    Wittenoom, Western Australia. Previously An Asbestos Mining Town

    ausmacuser Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Mark
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I highly recommend the yt video titled ‘Australia’s secret Chernobyl’ by Fern. Wonderful mini documentary on Wittenoom

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #42

    Sign I Found On The Inside Of A Security Door Of A Fast Food Restaurant

    Sign I Found On The Inside Of A Security Door Of A Fast Food Restaurant

    kingdillon Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Cassie
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sign you found on the inside of a security door of a fast food restaurant where? 0.o

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #44

    Squash Courts Don't Play Around

    Squash Courts Don't Play Around

    S0meAsianKid Report

    #45

    Found This Halfway Through A Nature Trail

    Found This Halfway Through A Nature Trail

    mech101v Report

    #46

    This Sign Near The Top Of The Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

    This Sign Near The Top Of The Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

    gigamosh57 Report

    #47

    This Sign In Yukon

    This Sign In Yukon

    reddit.com Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ian Webling
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's a sign on the West Coast National Road (N7) in South Africa which says an emergency phone is just 97 km away.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #49

    Stop, But Do It In A Goth Way

    Stop, But Do It In A Goth Way

    smokyartichoke Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    screws not painted, someone took the time to do the painting elsewhere and Then install the sign. i'm not sure how/if the painters tape is involved.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #50

    Road Sign Near My House Is Both Blank And Covered In Bullet Holes

    Road Sign Near My House Is Both Blank And Covered In Bullet Holes

    little-red-cap Report

    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    #51

    It Means That If You Fall Into It, You Will Certainly Die. Not That You Might Die

    It Means That If You Fall Into It, You Will Certainly Die. Not That You Might Die

    Uncoloured_Steve Report

    #52

    Casual Belt Sander Fires

    Casual Belt Sander Fires

    MercWithAMouth95 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    TotallyNOTAFox
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good advise, dust and fine particles tend to explode quite impressivley

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #53

    Light House On Lake Erie

    Light House On Lake Erie

    Drunkin_Dino Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    MontanaMariner
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wild. Imagine a noise making device capable of warning ships miles away damaging the hearing of someone standing nearby.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #54

    At The Hot Springs Today

    At The Hot Springs Today

    global_peasant Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Nicholas Barrett
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so, did the scalding water do a 180 and walk away, or is that what you're supposed to do?

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #55

    Never Considered The Danger Of Moose While Skiing

    Never Considered The Danger Of Moose While Skiing

    lemurwrangler Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    XenoMurph
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Surely "Caution, Skiing Moose in area" would be more gramatically correct?

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #56

    Sign Above A Kids' Bathing Pool In South Africa

    Sign Above A Kids' Bathing Pool In South Africa

    throcorfe Report

    #57

    Mildly Scary Sign. Made All The Scarier By Presumably 70s/80s Artwork Of A Child

    Mildly Scary Sign. Made All The Scarier By Presumably 70s/80s Artwork Of A Child

    BellisBlueday Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    featherytoad
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I grew up in the country and lived across from a sand quarry that was across a creek. Me and my friend would always play over there on the weekends. We used to play on the equipment and climb the huge sand mounds. We used to jump of the equipment that loomed above the sands mounds. I don't know what is was called, kind of like a conveyor belt. The cooling ponds always freaked me out though but, the dogs loved them. This was the 70's/80's when no one knew where you were at.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #60

    Falkland Island's Warning

    Falkland Island's Warning

    makerofdust Report

    #61

    Hidden Volcanic Cracks

    Hidden Volcanic Cracks

    orangenormal Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #62

    These Signs Are Posted All Over The Walking Trails In My Town

    These Signs Are Posted All Over The Walking Trails In My Town

    Tibbenator Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Cassie
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my county, there is a significant wealthy district and a significant low-to-middle income district. A bear was spotted in the wealthy district and the residents were up in arms that it came into their district instead of the "poor" district. I guess they have more appealing trash.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #65

    A Warning Sign In A Woodwork Shop

    A Warning Sign In A Woodwork Shop

    oliver1223 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Bill Swallow
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But given the recent successful transplant of a complete eyeball, maybe in 10-20 years? Note: Looks like the eye is healthy after about 2 months or so. Connected to muscles and blood vessels. Recipient still cannot *move* the eye, but that may come in time. I understand they made an attempt to connect the optic nerve, and it apparently sorta worked, but the recipient cannot see out of that eye. At the very least, it will take time for the eye and brain to learn how to handshake across that connection, and I'm sure they have a lot of work to do to make that part of it work, but progress is being made. The recipient had a live wire go off in their face, and also needed a partial face transplant.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #67

    This Is A Pretty Ominous One At Hanging Rock State Park In North Carolina

    This Is A Pretty Ominous One At Hanging Rock State Park In North Carolina

    Waveali Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Barbara Marsh
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice place for a picknick (yes, I know it's a different Hanging Rock)

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #68

    It's A Little Cold But I Still Kept An Eye Open

    It's A Little Cold But I Still Kept An Eye Open

    VenomXTs Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #69

    Fire Extinguish System With CO, Risk Of Suffocation

    Fire Extinguish System With CO, Risk Of Suffocation

    pm-me-your-games Report

    #70

    Popping Off At Breckenridge, CO

    Popping Off At Breckenridge, CO

    jish_werbles Report

    #72

    Parking Across The Street From A Playground

    Parking Across The Street From A Playground

    Ex-RagnarokKnight Report

    #74

    Sick Chickens

    Sick Chickens

    sasquatchin-the-wood Report

    #75

    Think Before You Go In

    Think Before You Go In

    twin-shadows Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #76

    This Sign By My Local River Spot That I've Been Seeing Since I Was A Kid

    This Sign By My Local River Spot That I've Been Seeing Since I Was A Kid

    Inamoratos Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Gardener of Weeden
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love my dog as much as anyone - but it is MY responsibility to be sure it is not harming others, be it human or livestock, animal. BTW same with cats

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #78

    Another One From North Carolina State Parks

    Another One From North Carolina State Parks

    Waveali Report

    #79

    This Sign A Local Wendy’s Still Displays

    This Sign A Local Wendy’s Still Displays

    your_dopamine Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Mike Fitzpatrick
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks like the output of my old HP inkjet when it was getting low on ink.