Meet Alissa Kerry-Stump, Jackson District Wildlife Ambassador
“It is a passion of mine to be outdoors with the sights and sounds of wildlife in its natural habitat,” says FBT wildlife ambassador Alissa Kerry-Stump. Although this is Alissa’s first summer as a wildlife ambassador on the BTNF, last summer she had a similar volunteer position at Denali National Park. “I volunteered as a wildlife safety and education volunteer,” she says. “Living in Denali was an epic summer.”
Alissa, along with her wife, Michelle, have been full-time RVers for eight years. Alissa retired in 2024, but Michelle continues her career remotely. “We live in our motorhome and have enjoyed our journeys that highlight national parks and forests,” Alissa says.
Alissa’s volunteering on public lands was inspired by a trip to Jackson Hole shortly after Covid, but before she had retired. She and Michelle were at String Lake in Grand Teton National Park. “We were just getting out of the car and an ambassador walked up to us,” she says. “His job was to educate and ensure we were well prepared for our hike.” He became an inspiration for Alissa to retire early and spend time reveling in the beauty and wonder of nature.
So far Alissa has no regrets. “Each location faces its own challenges, uniquely impacted by geography, climate, wildlife, infrastructure, and visitors. I look forward to learning how to best support and protect the BTNF” she says. “I’m honored to be a part of the ambassador program and excited to contribute to the safety and education of those who visit the Bridger-Teton National Forest.”
Alissa and Michelle are here with a new puppy, Bridger. Alissa expects the mini-poodle to enjoy exploring the national forest he’s named after.
Fun facts: 1. Three months after retiring, Alissa completed a mountain bike safari in Botswana. “It was absolutely incredible,” she says. “I was cycling while observing elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, hyenas, and so much more. I never imagined a safari would be possible on a mountain bike. At night we slept on cots in the open air or tree houses. One of two guides took turns being awake all night to ensure our safety. As we ‘slept,’ there were monkeys in the trees above us, hyenas fighting just outside our camp, and lions roaring in the distance.” 2. In her younger years, Alissa and a companion did a self-contained cycling trip from Florida to Maine.