Outer Banks beachcombers might run across a purple spined sea urchin on one of their off-season outings.  These small creatures use spines for protection, camouflage and to move.  Sea urchins are members of the phylum Echinodermata and are related to starfish and sand dollars.  Sea urchins feed on algae, sea grasses, mussels, barnacles, sponges and decaying organic matter.  Their mouth is on their underside. 

Sometimes sea urchins was up on Outer Banks beaches with their spines still intact, other times they are found without their spines leaving a delicate shell.  If you find one, let it dry out in the sun for a few hours before removing the spines. Make sure your cat or dog doesn't find it and enjoy it as a tasty snack.  Their smell makes them irresistible to pets!