Stepping on a sea urchin or handling one can result in an intensely painful puncture wound. The spines are strong enough to penetrate a wet suit or puncture the soles of tennis shoes. If a spine breaks off in the wound, the wound can fester and become badly infected. Frequently a patient will have to have the spines removed surgically. While some sea urchins can also inject venom through fang-like jaws, California sea urchins are not venomous.
Some sea urchins produce a toxin during mating season that makes sea urchins dangerous to eat.
Unless you know what you are doing, leave sea urchins alone. All rights reserved.