The Manitoba government is introducting regulatory changes for the purchasing of bear spray.

Vendors who sell the product are now required to obtain photo information and validate customer information before sales can be completed.

This is in response to the increasing numbers of incidents where bear spray is being used as a weapon.

The sale of bear repellent is regulated under the Pesticides and Fertilizers Control Act, which requires anyone who supplies, sells or distributes a pesticide to obtain a license.