NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – A Chico man was found alive and safe on Thursday after his girlfriend reported him missing in the Mendocino National Forest.

Alex Canto, 44, and his dog Brava were reunited with girlfriend Monica Smith, who had reported him missing on Tuesday, according to Glenn County Undersheriff Todd James.

Canto – an experienced outdoorsman – had left last Saturday to go camping in the Mendocino National Forest in Glenn County west of Elk Creek. He sent Smith a text message later that day that he was heading up Forest Highway 7, and then she heard nothing more from him, according to James.

Smith reported him missing and a search ensued with Glenn County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and agencies in Mendocino County also assisting, authorities said.

On Thursday, the California Highway Patrol's Air Ops began flying the forest, locating Canto that same afternoon, James reported.

CHP Air Ops found Canto, who had become stuck. James said CHP advised that they spotted a sign that Canto had made in the roadway out of wood saying “Alex” with an arrow pointing toward his location, which aided the CHP in finding him. 

James said Canto and his dog were hungry, but otherwise in good condition.

Canto and his dog were reunited with his girlfriend just before 5 p.m. Thursday, James said.