There have been reports across social media of random packages of seeds showing up, unsolicited, in mailboxes in not just southern Saskatchewan, but across the province, country, and continent.

The packages all look similar - non-descript white packaging, with the address of the sender matching the address of the destination. Some people said the packages had a foreign language written on them. Others say they had no description whatsoever. Seeming like a hoax, or even similar to those cautionary tales that used to be passed around in email chains, many people dismissed the posts.

Then, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued an advisory, and it turned out it was something people should take note of.

"Canadians are being cautioned to not plant these seeds from unknown origins," stated Wendy Asbil, the National Manager of Invasive Species and Domestic Plant Health Programs Section with the CFIA. "As the CFIA looks into the matter, we want to reiterate the most important action for Canadians to take is to avoid planting seeds they did not order."

As the seeds have no known origin, and the type of seed is not explicitly detailed in the packaging, there are concerns the plants may be an invasive species. As well, there may be plant pests within the packaging or seeds that would be damaging to the Canadian ecosystems. 

As well as not planting the seeds, it is also asked that the seeds not be thrown into the trash or into composting, as they could start to sprout, which will then have the plants, if an invasive species, taking root in the country.

"Anyone who has received seed packages they did not order is asked to contact their local CFIA office, with information related to the sends, the location of origin, and how the package was identified for border control," Asbil added. 

The regional CFIA office for southern Saskatchewan is located in Regina. The phone number to reach them is (306) 780-5180.