What river historically marks the eastern boundary for Pantherophis obsoletus distribution?
Answer
The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River serves as a significant geographical demarcation point defining the established distribution of the Western Rat Snake (*Pantherophis obsoletus*). The core range of this species is firmly centered in the central United States, predominantly situated to the west of this major river. Although the river is not always an absolute hard stop for snake movement or species identification concepts, it serves as the generally accepted historical boundary separating the characteristic distribution of *P. obsoletus* from related species, such as *P. alleghaniensis*, found to the east. This demarcation is crucial when mapping its characteristic western habitat.
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