SHOREVIEW, Minn. (AP) - Rescuers pulled an exhausted deer to safety after the animal was found up to its neck in the muck of a drawn-down lake in Ramsey County.

It took about an hour Thursday afternoon to rope and rescue the young deer that was spotted in Snail Lake in Shoreview. Residents said it may have been stuck there all night.

The lake's water level has been reduced as part of efforts to prevent an infestation of invasive zebra mussels.

Sheriff's officials said the deer was taken by hovercraft to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Roseville.