Duct Tape to the Rescue: Missing Hiker Spells Out "HELP"

PLACER COUNTY, CA: Rocklin hiker Cody Michael, 23, and his German Shepherd, Bauer, were rescued Thursday after they went missing about four days ago, Placer County Sheriff's officials said. The duo embarked on a camping trip near the Loch Leven Trail in Placer County Sunday.

According to the sheriff's officials, Michael used duct tape to spell out the word "H-E-L-P" on a rock near his campsite. The Army National Guard air crew searching the area for Michael spotted the distress signal and snapped a photo of the campsite.

Officials said Michael, who was found a little more than a mile northeast of where the American River meets Big Granite Creek, was "looking great" after he and the dog were hoisted up by rescue crews.

Michael and Bauer were uninjured but were taken to Sutter Roseville Medical Center as a precautionary measure, according to officials.

The Placer County Sheriff's Office posted their thanks to all of the search and rescue teams who helped search for the duo via social media. About 50 people took part in the search efforts.

Photos courtesy Placer County Sheriff’s Office