Dog lost in wildfire rescued in snowy California mountains

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (AP) — A dog separated from his owner last summer as a wildfire forced evacuations in California mountains was found after a backcountry skier spotted the animal in deep snow, prompting an intense rescue operation. The San Francisco Chronicle reports Russ, a pit bull-terrier mix, ran away in August as the Caldor Fire roared toward South Lake Tahoe. On Dec. 16, a man skiing west of Tahoe saw the dog and posted photos online. Rescuers tracked the animal in heavy snow and brought him down on a sled. Russ was in good health and within days was reunited with his family.