No, you shouldn’t plant a packet of unidentified seeds that show up in the mail. Yes, it’s a real concern

Mysterious, unsolicited packages are showing up in people's mailboxes in Colorado and several other states.   They appear to be sent from another country, often China. Labels on the packages suggest there’s a small piece of merchandise inside, like jewelry or some kind of wire connector.   Instead, recipients find packets of seeds inside – with no indication of what the seeds are, who sent them, or why. They may look similar to sunflower or pumpkin seeds. But state and federal agriculture officials recently warned people not to plant these mystery items.  Laura Pottorff is the Director of Colorado Seed Programs with Colorado State University. She joined Erin O’Toole to discuss the mystery of these odd packages, and what to do in case one arrives in your mailbox. Laura mentioned that - if that does happen - you should mail the unopened packet to the USDA office in Colorado at this address:  USDA APHIS PPQ 3950 North Lewiston Street, Suite 104 Aurora, CO 80011-1561 * * * * *Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: [email protected] Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!  Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole Executive Producer: Brad Turner  Theme music by Robbie Reverb Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.