would / could a fox tear open a child's football?

[whenwillisleepagain]

Not sure where to post this bizarre question. Two of DS's footballs (soft cheapo, small child's ones) have been ripped open - just found them in the garden. My thoughts immediately sprang to the possibility of some sadistic thwarted burglar, which is not a great thought. I may ask the community police round to take a look in case we've had an intruder, but wondered if a fox or cat would ever do this. I would so much prefer that option. We know that both cats and foxes frequent our garden.

yes foxes do that sort of thing, should see what they can do to a cat

Yes.
And they will also shit on them. I have no idea how, or why.

And shoes, gardening gloves.

Yes. And badgers could as well.

Thanks so much - this is a new fox development for me - used to dealing with fox shit but not this before.

we had a fox playing with a squeaky toy in our garden for 3 hours!

We thought it was the neighbours dog but the toy was in our garden. The next night we heard it again so got the torch out and there was a young fox playing like a pup. very cute. never came back.