5/18/14 & 5/19/14: This week on "Fieldnotes:" "Animal Curiosity," by Adam Phillips, read by Allison de Jong.
"Apparently, curiosity moves mammals all over the world. Owners of the raccoon-like coati bemoan the animal's intense curiosity, which often results in emptied drawers and hidden valuables. Mountain lions and bears have been known to pursue fleeing people over great distances, moving in for the presumed attack only to poke and prod the "victim" for a moment, and, curiosity sated, continue along their way. Studies have shown that small animals, when given substantial freedom to express their curiosity, live longer, eat less, exhibit friendlier behavior, and often develop deductive problem-solving skills."
