There seem to be two varieties of coyote around here in Western WA.
One is a skinny brownish bedraggled looking creature about 40 lbs or so.
The other is a German Shepard sized broad chested animal- usually grayish in color. The first time I saw one I would have sworn it was a small wolf, but according to the "experts", we don't have wolves here. My neighbor has alpaca's, and he sees the 'yote's around outside the fence-line- he used to hunt coyotes in Montana and was amazed at how big the ones here are. I have no idea if they are a mix with a dog or wolf or what. They pack up a bit too, not unusual to see several together.
I would certainly not feel comfortable letting a young child play by themselves outdoors any more. Not like 20 years ago -way more coyotes around.
They do make the new neighbors from the city a bit nervous with all their shrieking and howling!