Most people consider field mice to be disgusting pests when they invade our houses and consume our food. Tiny mice, on the other hand, are about as charming as it gets in their natural fields and forests.

Because of their size (and maybe partly owing to jealously of their charming appearance), there are a slew of predators out to get the cute mice, including the internet’s favorite mouse-slaying nightmare, the common house cat. However, due to their flexibility and speed, they remain one of the most widespread and successful mammal species on the planet — these lovely creatures can be found in practically any habitat and on almost every continent. And it is precisely because of their enormous number that they are such an accessible subject for amazing animal photography photos.

Harvest mice are adorable and harmless in their natural habitats, but when introduced to new ecosystems, they may become destructive pests. In regions of New Zealand and Australia, the lack of natural predators allows them to proliferate uncontrollably, wreaking havoc on local agriculture and bird populations. Many birds were able to nest successfully in the South Pacific islands until European explorers brought mice there.

You decide if it’s a pest or a small fluff ball after viewing the adorable photographs below!