SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - A nonprofit group in Santa Fe that aims to rehabilitate wild birds of prey that have been injured by flying into barbed wire fences, being shot or by other causes is facing a funding crisis.

The Santa Fe New Mexican quotes Santa Fe Raptor Center co-founder Lori Paras as saying her group is projected to be out of funds by the end of January.

The center is facing the challenge of feeding more birds than usual this year. It now has about 21 birds, more than double its usual capacity.

The birds include golden eagles, turkey vultures, screech owls, Mississippi kites, a red-tailed hawk and a peregrine falcon. Some birds stay for as little as two weeks, while others are in residence for more than a year.

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At the National Audubon Society board meeting in Tucson, Ariz a Santa Fe resiedent was selected as the 2012 Volunteer Charles H. Callison Award winner Sept. 28.

Tom Jervis won the award for is dedicated service and major contributions to the goals of the National Audubon Society, along with  his commitment to conservation and his protection of  New Mexico’s most threatened wildlife

The Executive Director of Audubon New Mexico, Karyn Stockdale said, “Tom has been an incredible advocate for Audubon over many years and has been an example of the positive change that one person can make in conservation.”

The animals have surrounded the village offices and some nearby homes. Prairie dogs have also swarmed St. Francis of Assisi Park in the Northern part of the village.

Rick Romero said his nephew hurt his ankle and elbow in the park when he stepped in a prairie dog hole. Holes are located right under swings and other playground equipment.

"They're a terror," Romero told KOB Eyewitness News 4 on Friday.

Other residents have said they're worried about diseases.

The Police Chief told KOB there have been discussions about the prairie dog problem. Jason Griego said there has been talk about poisoning them. But the chief said that would upset some residents and animal groups. Chief Griego said leaders are trying to figure out if the animals can be removed without harming them.

Chief Griego said the problem is "not an easy fix."