By CHARLES MCCARTHY, Fresno Bee

AHWAHNEE, Calif. -- Wild pigs roaming the Central California foothills are turning rural yards into hog heaven, ripping through lawns and shrubbery as they seek roots, worms and other buried edibles.The pigs have roamed the state for decades, but this year something has driven more of them into inhabited areas, experts say. And they seem to be more destructive.

FRESNO, Calif. -- A hungry stingray clamped down on a child's hand as she fed it a piece of fish at a Fresno, Calif., zoo. Frightened, the girl yanked her hand back, pulling the sea creature out of the water. She was not injured, zoo staff said.

MADERA, Calif. -- A Fresno, Calif., ghost hunter has Madera County's blessing to spend 24 hours in an old fire station, the reputed home of a mischievous spirit named Homer.