diff --git a/entity/mob.lua b/entity/mob.lua
index 8bef1d5..54231cc 100755
--- a/entity/mob.lua
+++ b/entity/mob.lua
@@ -34,7 +34,13 @@ function Mob:hit(other, dx, dy)
         self.canJump = true
     end
     
-    return self.health <= 0
+    -- we can only die on encountering bullets
+    -- this should not be necessary, but seems to be :(
+    if other:isInstanceOf(Bullet) then
+        return self.health <= 0
+    else
+        return false
+    end
 end
 
 function Mob:tick(state, collider)