REEDSPORT, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon man who shot a snorkeler in the head after mistaking him for a large, water-dwelling rodent was sentenced this week to 30 months in prison.

William Roderick, 60, of Reedsport pleaded guilty to assault, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana and methamphetamine, said Jeffrey Sweet, the deputy district attorney in Douglas County.

The victim, John W. Cheesman, 44, of Marcola, survived the Feb. 6 shooting. The bullet from the .22-caliber rifle struck him in front of his right ear, but did not penetrate his skull.

Roderick was taking care of a friend's house along the Smith River southwest of Eugene when he thought he saw a nutria in the river. Roderick went inside to get the rifle, returned outside and fired at his target.