A bird that was found dead at Pinnacles National Monument has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. The bird, a female kestrel, was found on the west side of the monument near the entrance gate. It was picked up on September 13th by the San Benito County Department of Health and Human Services for testing.

"We are continuing to monitor the monumentís bird population," said Park Superintendent Cicely Muldoon.

West Nile Virus has been present in the United States since 1999. It is most commonly found in birds, but can also be transmitted to humans. It is spread by mosquitoes.

If you encounter a dead bird, do not touch it. For West Nile Virus Information and Dead Bird Reporting, visit www.westnile.ca.gov or call (877) 968-2473.