Rescuing a ball python from a chain store?

[Slim]

When they sell out of what they have they just order more

This is the stone cold truth of big box pet stores...

You'll never be rescuing an animal from a chain store, you'll just be increasing the demand for their supply.

There are two main US importers/wholesalers selling to large pet stores Co Reptiles By Mack and Gourmet Rodents

And TGR gets a lot of their stock from a guy named Bill (seriously), who's operation is located about 7 miles from where I'm standing right now.

Trust me when I say that the Big Box doesn't care where they come from, and will always be happy to tell you their animals are high quality and locally produced.