Handwritten notes help searchers find mom and son who got lost in dense California forest

A mother and her young son who got lost in a dense California forest were rescued after search crews discovered handwritten notes the woman and boy had left behind, authorities said this week.

The notes said "HELP" at the top and included information about where the pair was located, according to images posted on social media by the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office in Northern California.

"Me and my son are stranded with no service and can't call 911," one note read. "We are ahead, up the road to the right. Please call 911 to get help for us. Thank you!"