community news - [ Weather ]

PHOENIX -- The heat-induced shimmer of Arizona's pavement is fooling the brown pelican population.

State officials report more than 30 of the endangered birds have crashed into paved surfaces that they've mistaken for lakes and creeks.

The state's Department of Game and Fish says the injured birds have been found from Yuma to Phoenix over the past two weeks. The pelicans are being treated for dehydration and malnutrition.

Experts believe the birds are heading to Arizona to look for fish because of a food shortage along the West Coast. more from WDIV Channel 4...

The Michigan Humane Society reports that shelter is required, by law, for any pet that must remain outdoors for any length of time.

The definition of shelter is, at the least, a well-built, insluated, slant-roofed dog house. The interior must be large enough for the animal to stand and lie down comfortably. It must be elevated at least 4 inches from the gorund for circulation, and the door should face away from wind with a protective flap to reduce drafts.

Use hay or straw instead of blankets because blankets may freeze, thus making the animal even colder.

Michigan Humane Society Investigators spent Friday searching for dogs that may have been left out in the bitter cold, WDIV Channel 4 reports.

Investigators had already found one dog dead from exposure when they found a rottweiler chained to car inside an uninsulated garage.

After investigators spoke with the homeowner's daughter, she attempted to bring the dog indoors, but it snapped at her. At that point, investigators decided to seize the dog and bring it to the warm shelter.

Experts advise not to use blankets for dog beds as they retain water and freeze. They recommend hay or straw in dog houses at least 4 inches off the ground.

Read more from WDIV Channel 4...

A rail inspector became a hero after temperatures dropped in Helena Montana enough to stick three mountain lion cubs to the train tracks as they crossed.

One cub was on its back, another was stuck by the tail and the third was attached by his paw. The cubs kept licking the tracks which made the problem worse.

Rail inspector Pat O'Rourke found the cubs and tried to free them with warm coffee. When that didn't work he called in the warden who brought hot water. The cubs were freed and made it to their frantic mother on a nearby ridge.

read on from WDIV Channel 4...