thanks everyone. I dont know why someone would do that but he is in a good home now. surprisingly he seems to be in good health. took him to the vet this afternoon and he said he is in great condition. i have been googling and reading everything i can on ball pythons now. Once concern that i have is heating. I have a heat lamp with the red bulb but im not sure if that is enough. i was looking at getting a under the tank heater too? another concern that i have is humidity. i have to idea how to keep it humid and what the humidity levels are. he was a very active snake up until i fed him. now he has been in his hide ever since. i just checked on him to make sure he is still alive and he is. i felt his body and it is pretty warm. i have the hide directly under the heat lamp. any suggestions would be great! now for a name lol