diff --git a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.lua b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.lua
index 4324aa69d..0cb272fb2 100644
--- a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.lua
+++ b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.lua
@@ -1101,8 +1101,7 @@ end
 -- find and replace what mob is looking for (grass, wheat etc.)
 local replace = function(self, pos)
 
-	if not mobs_griefing
-	or not self.replace_rate
+	if not self.replace_rate
 	or not self.replace_what
 	or self.child == true
 	or self.object:get_velocity().y ~= 0
@@ -1139,7 +1138,9 @@ local replace = function(self, pos)
 
 		if on_replace_return ~= false then
 
-			minetest.set_node(pos, {name = with})
+			if mobs_griefing then
+				minetest.set_node(pos, {name = with})
+			end
 
 			-- when cow/sheep eats grass, replace wool and milk
 			if self.gotten == true then
diff --git a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.txt b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.txt
index b3e2f03e7..999ba4a85 100644
--- a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.txt
+++ b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_mobs/api.txt
@@ -243,8 +243,9 @@ eating.
    'replace_rate'   how random should the replace rate be (typically 10)
    'replace_offset' +/- value to check specific node to replace
 
-   'on_replace(self, pos, oldnode, newnode)' is called when mob is about to
-                                             replace a node.
+   'on_replace(self, pos, oldnode, newnode)'
+          is called when mob is about to replace a node. Also called
+          when not actually replacing due to mobs_griefing setting being false.
       'self'    ObjectRef of mob
       'pos'     Position of node to replace
       'oldnode' Current node