diff --git a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/api.lua b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/api.lua
index fcec541775..756366bbe7 100644
--- a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/api.lua
+++ b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/api.lua
@@ -346,6 +346,7 @@ function mobs:register_mob(name, def)
 		fire_damage_resistant = def.fire_damage_resistant or false,
 		ignited_by_sunlight = def.ignited_by_sunlight or false,
 		eye_height = def.eye_height or 1.5,
+		defuse_reach = def.defuse_reach or 4,
 		-- End of MCL2 extensions
 
 		on_spawn = def.on_spawn,
diff --git a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/mob_functions/attack_type_instructions.lua b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/mob_functions/attack_type_instructions.lua
index a532cd1eb2..842b79192b 100644
--- a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/mob_functions/attack_type_instructions.lua
+++ b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/mob_functions/attack_type_instructions.lua
@@ -23,8 +23,13 @@ mobs.explode_attack_walk = function(self,dtime)
 
     mobs.set_yaw_while_attacking(self)
 
+    local distance_from_attacking = vector_distance(self.object:get_pos(), self.attacking:get_pos())
+
     --make mob walk up to player within 2 nodes distance then start exploding
-    if vector_distance(self.object:get_pos(), self.attacking:get_pos()) >= self.reach then
+    if distance_from_attacking >= self.reach and
+    --don't allow explosion to cancel unless out of the reach boundary
+    not (self.explosion_animation ~= nil and self.explosion_animation > 0 and distance_from_attacking <= self.defuse_reach) then
+
         mobs.set_velocity(self, self.run_velocity)
         mobs.set_mob_animation(self,"run")
 
diff --git a/mods/ENTITIES/mobs_mc/creeper.lua b/mods/ENTITIES/mobs_mc/creeper.lua
index ee5c7fcfe1..fdc980a491 100644
--- a/mods/ENTITIES/mobs_mc/creeper.lua
+++ b/mods/ENTITIES/mobs_mc/creeper.lua
@@ -48,7 +48,8 @@ mobs:register_mob("mobs_mc:creeper", {
 	explosion_radius = 4,
 	explosion_damage_radius = 6,
 	explosiontimer_reset_radius = 6,
-	reach = 3,
+	reach = 1.5,
+	defuse_reach = 4,
 	explosion_timer = 0.3,
 	allow_fuse_reset = true,
 	stop_to_explode = true,