diff --git a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.lua b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.lua
index e1192c37aa..48f1517bb8 100644
--- a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.lua
+++ b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.lua
@@ -3525,7 +3525,7 @@ local mob_punch = function(self, hitter, tflp, tool_capabilities, dir)
 	-- if skittish then run away
 	if hitter and is_player and hitter:get_pos() and not die and self.runaway == true and self.state ~= "flop" then
 
-		yaw = set_yaw(self, minetest.dir_to_yaw(vector.direction(hitter:get_pos(), self.object:get_pos())))
+		local yaw = set_yaw(self, minetest.dir_to_yaw(vector.direction(hitter:get_pos(), self.object:get_pos())))
 		minetest.after(0.2,function()
 			if self and self.object and self.object:get_pos() and hitter and is_player and hitter:get_pos() then
 				yaw = set_yaw(self, minetest.dir_to_yaw(vector.direction(hitter:get_pos(), self.object:get_pos())))