diff --git a/dlls/scientist.cpp b/dlls/scientist.cpp
index d7659c61..7cf9cc4d 100644
--- a/dlls/scientist.cpp
+++ b/dlls/scientist.cpp
@@ -464,7 +464,10 @@ void CScientist::StartTask( Task_t *pTask )
 		{
 			Talk( 2 );
 			m_hTalkTarget = m_hEnemy;
-			if( m_hEnemy->IsPlayer() )
+
+			//The enemy can be null here. - Solokiller
+			//Discovered while testing the barnacle grapple on headcrabs with scientists in view.
+			if( m_hEnemy && m_hEnemy->IsPlayer() )
 				PlaySentence( "SC_PLFEAR", 5, VOL_NORM, ATTN_NORM );
 			else
 				PlaySentence( "SC_FEAR", 5, VOL_NORM, ATTN_NORM );