ADVERTISEMENT

The main purpose of a sign is to communicate a message or convey information. Most are useful. But others are just plain stupid. Then there are super funny signs. And those that make no sense at all. But have you ever come across a sign that gave you goosebumps? And not in a good way.

r/ScarySigns is a spot on the internet dedicated to terrifying signs. The community has 434k members, and they’re obsessed with “signs found in the world that you don’t want to be near!” Keep scrolling for our top picks from the page, and don’t forget to upvote the ones that would stop you in your tracks. If you’re interested in finding out why some people enjoy watching or looking at things that scare them, like horror movies or these scary sign pics, read on to hear what the experts have to say.

Fear is a necessary human emotion. It alerts us to possible trouble so that we can react, which in turn helps us survive potentially deadly situations. When encountering danger, fear triggers us into fight-or-flight mode. We can either choose to go up against the perceived threat, or we can run away as fast as possible.

But there is another response… Freeze. When something just stops us in our tracks, and we make like Elsa in Frozen. Some of the signs pictured here have elicited that very response from the people who encountered them. Until they became unstuck enough to take a photograph and share it with the r/ScarySigns community.

#4

Tsunami Marker "Remember The Calamity Of The Great Tsunamis. Do Not Build Any Homes Below This Point"

Tsunami Marker "Remember The Calamity Of The Great Tsunamis. Do Not Build Any Homes Below This Point"

highdiver_2000 Report

ADVERTISEMENT

If fear is a negative emotion and a state that many of us don't necessarily like being in, why do we enjoy watching horror movies, or scrolling through photos of terrifying signs? According to experts, it has something to do with the chemicals our body releases after being scared.

#8

Some Good Advice On The Big Island Of Hawai'i

Some Good Advice On The Big Island Of Hawai'i

variegatedbanana Report

Add photo comments
POST
Paula MV
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seems obvious, but the last time we were on the Big Island during an eruption, a guide at the volcano told us every year someone touches the lava with their foot... only to pull their leg back and find that their foot is gone.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

When You Perfectly Capture The Mood Of A Generation

When You Perfectly Capture The Mood Of A Generation

the_lamou Report

Margee Kerr has dedicated her career to learning as much about fear as she can. She’s a sociologist and the author of SCREAM: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear. She says fear floods our bodies with "feel-good" hormones. "Our arousal system is activated and triggers a cascade of 'feel good' neurotransmitters and hormones like endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline that influence our brains and our bodies," Kerr told The Huffington Post.

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

Highway 16, Canada. Over 80+ Confirmed Murders. Whose Got More Insight To This?

Highway 16, Canada. Over 80+ Confirmed Murders. Whose Got More Insight To This?

MichaelT1991 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jenn Anderson
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Google MMIW and Highway of Tears.. its all there and horrific that the RCMP willingly ignore when a certain group of women keep going missing

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

Inside The Boy’s Bathroom At School

Inside The Boy’s Bathroom At School

SkyaGold Report

Add photo comments
POST
Linda van A.
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This didn't make any sense to me because I thought it had something to do with Corona. I'm from the Netherlands and school shootings never crossed my mind.

Paula MV
Community Member
1 week ago

This comment has been deleted.

The Scout
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How very... American of you... There is only one single country where shool shootings are a significant problem. The overwhelming mayority of Americans even support rigorous gun control (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_opinion_on_gun_control_in_the_United_States#:~:text=75%25%20of%20American%20adults%20supported,of%20error%20of%20%2B%2F%2D%204%25.), yet no politician dares to address this, as too much lobby money is involved. Even Fox News 2019 polls showed a 90% support for universal background checks, and 67% favored banning assault weapons.

Novel Idesa
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why the downvotes? This is 100% an American bathroom. My kids growing up with signs like this in their schools is the exact reason I'm encouraging them to move out of the US as soon as possible, so my future grandchildren won't have to live like this.

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

You know, this just makes me think of horror games that have ‘quick, the killer’s after you and there’s no human-sized vent, hide in the bathroom stall’ moments; how do Americans feel watching those moments in horror games if it’s a reality for some during school shootings? Genuine question. Does it take you out of the ‘reality’ of the game because it’s too real? Is it a darkly ‘funny’ ‘ah, yeah, same’ moment?

Anna Stephenson
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Took me a while to realise a "lockdown" meant school shooting- first thought was "that's a bit extreme for Covid!?" Second thought was "maybe the doors are electronic and occasionally "lock" unexpectedly??" Then I realised it meant school shootings and I felt incredibly sad! I just don't understand how a country can allow stuff like this to happen without doing anything to prevent it!?

Tom Brincefield
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am very happy for all of you who read this and didn't have a clue what it was talking about. May it remain ever so.

TotallyNOTAFox
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I question the stopping power of separation walls against calibres of 5.56mm (AR-15) and above. Locking the door probably would lead to a shooter firing through it on chest hight

Fellfromthemoon
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the advice intends to make the students not noticeable in the bathroom. It's unlikely that the shooter will try every single bathromm door to check, which one hides someone.

Load More Replies...
Poppy
Community Member
5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's the point of this when the toilet doors have such a big gap in them that people can just see into the stall?

Verena
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shouldn't the door be unlocked? If it's locked, the panel outside turns from white or green to red, so even with feet on the seat, it is clear somebody is inside? This is how most European doors work. And what about these wide gaps around doors US toilets seem to have? I too needed time to understand what this is about. Why do parents accept this danger?

Tom Brincefield
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having an occupied indicator on the door would be too expensive for US local schools. They can't afford to purchase proper supplies for the children.

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

It is incredibly sad to me that kids in the US go to school under threat of death on a daily basis......how on earth can the US STILL not institute much stricter gun laws?

Ladedah
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I sincerely hope there is never an actual fire during a lock down...

Bored Trash Panda
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think it would be because of a fire.. my first thought went to shooter pulling the fire alarm to get kids to run

Load More Replies...
Magda Hassouni
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can't imagine being a child and going through this alone in a bathroom stall... Just can't.

Glix Drap
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn't really work if someone tries the door and finds it locked.

SammyLawrence27
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The locks are made of wet paper towels in terms of strength/durability, also the attacker could crawl under the walls easily in the vast majority of public bathrooms.

Load More Replies...
Donkey boi
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Makes sense. During a active shooter event, they could pull the fire alarm to try and draw a lot of people into a small area, the corridors.

Load More Replies...
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

You’d most likely be watching a horror movie or scrolling through these pics in a place where you feel safe. Not while you’re in immediate, real danger. And that makes a big difference. “To really enjoy a scary situation, we have to know we’re in a safe environment,” Kerr told The Atlantic. “It’s all about triggering the amazing fight-or-flight response to experience the flood of adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine, but in a completely safe space.”

#13

In Barbados

In Barbados

kjfdlhs Report

Add photo comments
POST
Glix Drap
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now I get the bit about rain, but who just eats small fruit off a tree that is clearly unknown.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#15

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

Kerr says humans have been intentionally scaring themselves, and each other, since the dawn of time. "Through all kinds of methods like storytelling, jumping off cliffs, and popping out to startle each other from the recesses of some dark cave," she said.

The expert adds that there are various reasons for this. "To build group unity, to prepare kids for life in the scary world, and of course, to control behavior. But it's only really in the last few centuries that scaring ourselves for fun (and profit) has become a highly sought-after experience."

#16

Came To A Family Dollar In A Pretty Ghetto Area, The Restrooms Are Right Next To The Employee Break Area, And I Saw This Sign On The Way Out

Came To A Family Dollar In A Pretty Ghetto Area, The Restrooms Are Right Next To The Employee Break Area, And I Saw This Sign On The Way Out

Bruser75 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Remi (He/Him)
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good company as in they don't expect the employees to try and fight the robbers or something. Also having clear instructions is helpful if something happens. Small one or two people working locations are at risk of something happening even in better neighborhoods.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

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
VW Panda
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These signs are in great falls park about 100 yards from the Potomac, so yeah they are pretty close.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

"If You Talk Too Much, This Man May Die" - Written Around A Mirror (World War II)

"If You Talk Too Much, This Man May Die" - Written Around A Mirror (World War II)

CrithionLoren Report

Sometimes we put ourselves into a state of fear purely just to "feel." "For many people everyday life can feel overly routinized and even boring," said Dr. David Zald, director of the Affective Neuroscience Laboratory at Vanderbilt University. "By contrast, when scared we are fully aware, conscious and in the moment. We are not preoccupied thinking about what happened yesterday or what we have to do tomorrow." Have you ever noticed how you feel wide awake after getting a fright? Now you know why.

ADVERTISEMENT

Not everyone enjoys fear. Some actually have a fear of fear. According to VeryWellMind, “Whereas most people experience fear only during a situation that is perceived as scary or threatening, those who live with anxiety disorders may become afraid that they will experience a fear response. They perceive their fear responses as negative and go out of their way to avoid those responses.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#24

Menacing Sign Over I-70 — Denver, Colorado

Menacing Sign Over I-70 — Denver, Colorado

ErasableHeart44 Report

#30

What Is The Meaning Of This Sign? It's Been On The Sub A Few Times But I Couldn't Find A Concise Answer

What Is The Meaning Of This Sign? It's Been On The Sub A Few Times But I Couldn't Find A Concise Answer

Zhydrac Report

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
ADVERTISEMENT
#33

If It's White, Say Goodnight

If It's White, Say Goodnight

TheAlcoholicMenace Report

Add photo comments
POST
Angela C
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it's black fight back, if it's brown lie down, if it's white say good night

View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

Seen In Japan Skiing…the Fact That They Took The Time To Draw The Blood…

Seen In Japan Skiing…the Fact That They Took The Time To Draw The Blood…

DirectorChick Report

#38

A What???

A What???

lalaxoxo__ Report

Add photo comments
POST
Did I say that out loud? (he/him)cis/het
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is probably from the UK. Apparently, quite a lot of public buildings that used a specific type/method of concrete could potentially collapse.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#40

From Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park In Felton, California

From Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park In Felton, California

mristre Report

#44

A Warning Sign Close To The Electric Fish Barrier In The Chicago Sanitary And Ship Canal To Prevent The Asian Carp From Reaching The Great Lakes

A Warning Sign Close To The Electric Fish Barrier In The Chicago Sanitary And Ship Canal To Prevent The Asian Carp From Reaching The Great Lakes

Frog23 Report

#46

“The Troops Are Under Orders To Shoot If The Warning To Stop Is Ignored.“

“The Troops Are Under Orders To Shoot If The Warning To Stop Is Ignored.“

reddit.com Report

#47

Lake Mackintosh, Tasmania. Man-Made Lake For Hydroelectricity

Lake Mackintosh, Tasmania. Man-Made Lake For Hydroelectricity

mrtomhanks Report

Add photo comments
POST
H Cef
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the numeric values are fascinating and what do they represent? 0.7 is just white and chilling without a name, 0.6 is the same, 0.5 ALL CAPS PREPARE! DUDE and we killed 0.4 so you better listen! 0.3 is basically it could take days to get to the "EVACUATE" level or hours really, we don't know, it's just that 0.2 and 0.1 are missing or dead or I might have killed them, we don't know.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#48

Multiple Carcasses In Area…

Multiple Carcasses In Area…

Moira_Rose Report

Add photo comments
POST
Shark Lady
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm guessing this is when salmon have died after reproducing, it's an all you can eat buffet for bears.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#49

Warning Sign In Canberra, Australia

Warning Sign In Canberra, Australia

jonas_ML Report

Add photo comments
POST
Shark Lady
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try not to feed your in-laws beef Wellington that contains death cap mushrooms

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#51

Swimming Is Prohibited. Danger To Life. Water Containing Hydrogen Sulphide

Swimming Is Prohibited. Danger To Life. Water Containing Hydrogen Sulphide

SamuraTheFennec Report

Add photo comments
POST
Rayne OfSalt
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my part of Australia we have signs along some lakes & rivers that say something like "Danger: Do not swim, Do not camp. Crocodiles will kill you" written in german on them because we had a string of german tourists ignoring the many, many other warnings and getting eaten by crocs.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#53

Door At Calarts

Door At Calarts

IAmBestDuck Report

Add photo comments
POST
Tucker Cahooter
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You would think they would bolt the door securely instead of hanging some flimsy chain in front

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

New Signs At School For Safety Against Shooters

New Signs At School For Safety Against Shooters

Plastic-Ramen Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#56

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

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

gigamosh57 Report

#57

USA’s Most Dangerous Climb

USA’s Most Dangerous Climb

deliverusfromevie Report

Add photo comments
POST
Biofish23
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. There is also a train that can be taken to the top. The trail heads are easily accessible, the hike is only moderately difficult and short enough to be a day hike ,in good conditions. All of this lulls unprepared tourists into starting off underprepared. The problem is conditions change dramatically, it can easily be a beautiful summer day at the base, but have high winds and snow at the summit.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#58

Found This Out In The New Mexico Desert

Found This Out In The New Mexico Desert

Mongotheball Report

Add photo comments
POST
Rachel Pelz
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is actually life-saving but scary to imagine how many people die in need of something like this.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#59

I Felt Confident Getting Close To Take A Pic On Such A Clear Day!

I Felt Confident Getting Close To Take A Pic On Such A Clear Day!

B34TBOXX5 Report

#60

The Numbers Are Exaggerated, But The Warning Is Valid

The Numbers Are Exaggerated, But The Warning Is Valid

makerofdust Report

Add photo comments
POST
Angela C
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The title may say the numbers are exaggerated but I have no trouble believing that many people would get themselves killed in that manner

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#65

Deep Sand, Make The Right Decision

Deep Sand, Make The Right Decision

neveroddoreven- Report

Add photo comments
POST
The Scout
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ironically the "towing fine is more than 1000$" will probably deter more drivers than "drivers have died"...

View more commentsArrow down menu
#66

On The Side Of Colorado State Route 103

On The Side Of Colorado State Route 103

med_designs Report

Add photo comments
POST
Glix Drap
Community Member
1 week ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

These are appearing all over London curtesy of Sadik Khant.

#69

Mom Just Had Hip Replacement Surgery Yesterday; This Sign Was On The Door Of The Behavioral Health Ward On My Way To Her Room

Mom Just Had Hip Replacement Surgery Yesterday; This Sign Was On The Door Of The Behavioral Health Ward On My Way To Her Room

The_Illa_Vanilla Report

Add photo comments
POST
Gingersnap In Iowa
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was in the psych ward earlier this year. The doors are always locked you have to be buzzed in and out. Food service workers were very spooked bringing in meals.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#70

A Beach In Okinawa, Japan

A Beach In Okinawa, Japan

DiddledByDad Report

Add photo comments
POST
Rachel Pelz
Community Member
1 week ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Do the not-to-be-conducted water related activities include drinking water from a bottle, I wonder. Plus, if I'm not a US forces Japan visitor but on my own, does the sign apply?

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#74

Sign In Death Valley, California. Not Oc Shamelessly Stolen

Sign In Death Valley, California. Not Oc Shamelessly Stolen

Forsaken_Article_295 Report

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

The fact that it's called "Death Valley" is a pretty strong hint...

View more commentsArrow down menu
#75

So People Normally Play With Bats?

So People Normally Play With Bats?

lemurwrangler Report

Add photo comments
POST
Biofish23
Community Member
1 week ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bats have very small sharp teeth, bites might not be particularly painful or leave a noticeable mark, but can still transmit rabies. Not to mention all the other diseases they can carry due to their freaky immune system. ANY contact with a bat warrants medical attention.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#78

“There Is A High Probability You Will Be Stung If You Visit This Location”

“There Is A High Probability You Will Be Stung If You Visit This Location”

Wheres_my_bandit_hat Report

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

No further info needed, I will NOT be visiting there ever.

#79

Every Time I Have To Ring Up Certain Gift Cards At Work This Thing Jumpscares Me

Every Time I Have To Ring Up Certain Gift Cards At Work This Thing Jumpscares Me

My-Skeleton-Closet Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#80

Found In A Dead Mall In Livingston, Nj. There Are No Radioactive Sources Or Power Plants Around For Several Hundred Miles

Found In A Dead Mall In Livingston, Nj. There Are No Radioactive Sources Or Power Plants Around For Several Hundred Miles

JonMidnight Report

#81

A Sign Near A Waterfall, In Virginia

A Sign Near A Waterfall, In Virginia

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Beak Hookage
Community Member
1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you die, you will also be fined and then buried at your own expense.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#86

On The Approach Trail To Longs Peak, Colorado

On The Approach Trail To Longs Peak, Colorado

gigamosh57 Report

Add photo comments
POST
#87

Sign At A Park In My Town By Our City Dam

Sign At A Park In My Town By Our City Dam

TheSenerfChild Report

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

That is the test sound. 1 long blast. Short ones get your attention...

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#88

Many Things To Be Aware Of! This Sign Is At Castaway Key, An Island Owned By Disney

Many Things To Be Aware Of! This Sign Is At Castaway Key, An Island Owned By Disney

reddit.com Report

#90

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

#91

I Knew The Us Wasn't The Most Cyclist Friendly But This Is Less Than Reassuring

I Knew The Us Wasn't The Most Cyclist Friendly But This Is Less Than Reassuring

aisingiorix Report

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

I get so nervous around cyclists on tight streets (and I bet they’re nervous around me too.) I wish every road had bike lanes.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#92

On The Way To Askja Via F910, Deep In The Highlands Of Iceland [oc]

On The Way To Askja Via F910, Deep In The Highlands Of Iceland [oc]

basedrifter Report