What a great story; I'm glad you saw him and are giving him a forever home! I don't know how you stopped yourself from clocking the dude in the jaw when you went back there; no matter what the circumstances, it's a living creature and to throw it out like TRASH is unspeakably awful.

If you're planning to get a few BP's (or even other snakes), I would seriously look into getting a rack system. Yeah, the good kind are gonna put you back a few hundred dineros, but they are a LOT easier to clean and maintain proper humidity and heat. The downside is that they aren't as pretty-looking as a decorated tank, but seeing as a happy Ball Python is a hidden Ball Python, they won't be making constant appearances anyway. And it's a LOT easier to clean a rack tub than a tank. Always something to consider!