diff --git a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.lua b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.lua
index 9549b05dc..294d0c6f7 100644
--- a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.lua
+++ b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.lua
@@ -1410,7 +1410,7 @@ local npc_attack = function(self)
 			p = obj.object:get_pos()
 			sp = s
 
-			dist = get_distance(p, s)
+			local dist = get_distance(p, s)
 
 			-- aim higher to make looking up hills more realistic
 			p.y = p.y + 1