A few years back, my wife was walking one of our dogs outside at night and was startled to see a large German Shepherd on the other side of our garden stone wall about 20 feet away..... Well yeah, when she got a better look at it it was just a large coyote. Obviously not something she was happy to see, but they've always been around... even coming up on our back deck.
My two little coy-dogs wouldn't stand much chance up against one, so we're armed at all times when outside.
My sister & her husband live out in the country. Their little Yorkshire was trained to run out & do his business & come right back in. He'd been doing the same thing for the 7-8 years they had him, until one time he didn't come right back.
My BIL stepped out back and called him, and heard a "Yelp" down by the creek, some 100 yards away. BIL immediately grabbed a flashlight and the rifle by the door & took off. Never grabbing a coat, and it was in the 20's outside.
Sis said he was gone for nearly 4 hours before he came back, with no dog. I broke all of our hearts, because he was a family member, who never missed a lap when one was presented to him.
BIL went on a coyote hunting binge for two years, calling them in a killing every one he saw. He was up around 20 or so when they dried up or left the area.
My little guy is not so good about coming right back, so I go out with him every time after I get home from work. Armed & with a bright light. I sweep the entire yard with a light when it's dark, before he gets off the porch. I've seen eyes a few times, but being in the country ourselves, it could be many critters.
Sis & BIL now do the same thing. I hate a coyote like I hate a possum. I'm plain ole skeert of snakes.
