Minecraft Naturalist Mod Guide: How to Add New Animals to Your World

Minecraft already has a variety of animals—cows, pigs, sheep, cats, wolves, and even polar bears. But many players have long wished for more diverse wildlife to make the game feel alive. Thanks to Minecraft’s thriving modding community, that wish has become reality.

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The Minecraft Naturalist mod is one of the best additions for players who want to experience a richer ecosystem. With dozens of real-life animals and unique behaviors, this mod makes your world feel like a true wilderness. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

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What is the Minecraft Naturalist Mod?

The Naturalist mod is a Minecraft Java mod available for both Forge and Fabric. It introduces a wide variety of animals, each with their own behaviors, interactions, and roles in the ecosystem. Unlike vanilla mobs, these creatures don’t just exist—they interact with their environment in dynamic ways.

Animals Added by the Naturalist Mod

Here’s a complete list of new creatures you’ll encounter:

• Alligators
• Bass
• Bear
• Bird
• Boar
• Butterfly
• Catfish
• Deer
• Dragonfly
• Duck
• Elephant
• Firefly
• Giraffe
• Hippo
• Lion
• Lizard
• Rhino
• Snail
• Snake
• Tortoise
• Vulture

• Zebra

Each mob contributes to a more immersive ecosystem. For example:

• Bears wander forests and may attack if you threaten their cubs.
• Deer graze peacefully but sprint away when danger is near.
• Butterflies grow through a full life cycle—from caterpillar to adult.

• Snakes actively hunt smaller mobs.

You can also interact with them in unique ways. Birds can be tamed by feeding them, while lions remain wild and untamable, adding a layer of challenge.

Supported Versions

As of now, the Naturalist mod supports Minecraft Java 1.18.2 through 1.20.1. It works with both Forge and Fabric, making it accessible no matter your mod loader of choice.

How to Download and Install the Naturalist Mod

Follow these steps to install the Minecraft Naturalist mod on your PC:

1. Install Forge or Fabric for Minecraft 1.20.1 (depending on your setup).

2. Visit Modrinth and search for Naturalist.

3. Download the mod file that matches your Minecraft version and mod loader.

4. Download GeckoLib (a required library) for Forge or Fabric 1.20.1.

5. Locate your Minecraft directory (default: C:\Users\[YourUser]\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft).

6. Place both Naturalist and GeckoLib .jar files inside the mods folder.

7. Open the Minecraft Launcher, select Forge or Fabric 1.20.1, and click Play.

8. Enter a world and explore—your Minecraft world now has new animals roaming around!

Why You Should Try the Minecraft Naturalist Mod

If you’re looking for a Minecraft animals mod that goes beyond simple mob additions, Naturalist is perfect. It’s immersive, realistic, and makes the world feel truly alive. Whether you’re exploring jungles, forests, or rivers, there’s always something new to discover.