How is the prairie different from Wander's home in the mountains in the novel, A Wolf Called Wander?

The prairie is a very different landscape than the mountain region where Wander was born. He notices the differences that directly affect him, including a highway, fences, scarcity of water, and areas with rocks that hurt his paws. This area is much hotter, and there is often a lack of shade. At one point, Wander is desperately thirsty and hot. He lies down in the scant shade of a bush that is barely big enough to cover him. He feels no difference in temperature. This is where a wildfire almost kills Wander, chasing him until he reaches a river.