diff --git a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/mob_functions/interaction.lua b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/mob_functions/interaction.lua
index b564aaf48..b2f811752 100644
--- a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/mob_functions/interaction.lua
+++ b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/mob_functions/interaction.lua
@@ -64,6 +64,21 @@ mobs.mob_punch = function(self, hitter, tflp, tool_capabilities, dir)
 		return
 	end
 
+	--neutral passive mobs switch to neutral hostile
+	if self.neutral then
+		--drop in variables for attacking (stops crash)
+		self.attacking   = hitter
+		self.punch_timer = 0
+		self.hostile = true
+		--hostile_cooldown timer is initialized here
+		self.hostile_cooldown_timer = self.hostile_cooldown
+
+		--initialize the group attack (check for other mobs in area, make them neutral hostile)
+		if self.group_attack then
+			mobs.group_attack_initialization(self)
+		end
+	end
+
 	--turn skittish mobs away and RUN
 	if self.skittish then
 
diff --git a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/spawning.lua b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/spawning.lua
index 100fc84b6..f885d55c7 100644
--- a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/spawning.lua
+++ b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api/spawning.lua
@@ -165,8 +165,6 @@ Overworld regular:
 
 local mobs_spawn = minetest.settings:get_bool("mobs_spawn", true) ~= false
 
-mobs_spawn = false
-
 -- count how many mobs are in an area
 local count_mobs = function(pos)
 	local num = 0