The Minnesota man who won over the hearts of many when he rescued a deer from an icy river has now gotten the attention of PETA.

The animal advocacy group announced Wednesday it will give Steven Peterson a Compassionate Action Award for his successful efforts to get the distressed deer out of the Kettle River in northern Pine County.

“This deer was able to escape a prolonged, painful, icy death, thanks to Steven Peterson’s kindness in setting about to save her life,” PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien said in the announcement. “PETA hopes his actions will inspire others to come to the aid of any humans or animals in need.”

Peterson, who named the deer "Miss Ice River," filmed the rescue on his phone:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=971p1uC6XjU

He used sign language to tell the story once he got the deer out. In the video (watch it below), Peterson (who is deaf) explains he saw the animal crawling out on the ice over the Kettle River, and became concerned. He walked through the woods, carefully made his way on to the ice, and tied a rope around the deer before pulling it to safety.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVWkgk-3ZS8

For his efforts, PETA is giving Peterson a framed certificate and a box of "delicious vegan cookies."