What are the best animals to sample for the Naturalist role to maximize profit?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the Naturalist role offers a unique way to earn money by sampling animals and selling their samples to Harriet Davenport. To maximize profit, focus on sampling high-value animals, which are typically legendary animals or those found in specific regions. Legendary animals yield the most valuable samples, but they are also harder to find and require careful preparation. Regular animals like cougars, panthers, and bears also provide good returns, especially if you sample multiple species to complete Harriet''s sets.\n\nTo start, you need to unlock the Naturalist role by visiting Harriet in Strawberry. Once unlocked, invest in the Varmint Rifle and Sedative Ammo, as these are essential for sampling animals without killing them. Sedative Ammo can be purchased from Harriet or crafted using Animal Fat and Varmint Rifle Ammo. Always carry enough Sedative Ammo, as it takes multiple shots to sedate larger animals like bears or bison.\n\nLegendary animals are the most profitable to sample, but they spawn in specific locations and under certain conditions. For example, the Legendary Bharati Grizzly Bear can be found in the Grizzlies East region, while the Legendary Wakpa Boar is located in the Bayou Nwa area. Use your Eagle Eye ability to track their trails, and approach cautiously to avoid spooking them. Once sedated, take a sample and revive the animal to maintain your honor and avoid angering Harriet.\n\nFor non-legendary animals, focus on predators like cougars, panthers, and wolves, as their samples are worth more than herbivores. Cougars can be found in the forests near Annesburg and the Grizzlies, while panthers are rare but spawn in the woods south of Rhodes. Wolves are common in the northern regions like Ambarino and Big Valley. Always aim for clean shots to avoid damaging the sample quality.\n\nCompleting Harriet''s animal sets is another way to maximize profit. Each set includes samples from specific species, such as the Mountain & Grassland set, which requires samples from animals like deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Selling a complete set to Harriet yields a significant payout, so prioritize collecting samples from animals in the same region to save time.\n\nOne common challenge is managing Harriet''s disapproval if you kill animals. To avoid this, focus solely on sampling and avoid hunting for pelts or meat. If you accidentally kill an animal, wait for Harriet''s anger to subside before interacting with her again. Additionally, use the Animal Field Guide to track your progress and identify which animals you still need to sample.\n\nPractical tips for maximizing profit include using the Wilderness Camp Fast Travel to quickly move between regions, stocking up on Sedative Ammo, and always carrying a Horse Reviver in case your horse gets injured during encounters with predators. By focusing on high-value animals, completing sets, and managing your interactions with Harriet, you can efficiently earn money as a Naturalist in Red Dead Redemption 2.