Without sounding like one of those extreme loons who think animals are more important than people, I'd like to point out one of the bad sides of humans spreading out and succeeding; the displacement of indigenous species. An interesting angle on this situation can be seen in the movie Over The Hedge, but it does little to provide you with solutions to real life situations like coming face to face with one or more hungry, displaced coyotes.

It is highly likely that if you're close enough to see a coyote, he a) knew you were there long ago and b) is hungry and a risk to your well being. When coyotes are in areas that are inhabited by humans it is usually because they're looking for food. Food comes in many forms for a coyote, mostly as trash and in some cases small animals and pets. Very rare cases involve small children.

The worst thing you can do when you see a coyote is to panic and run. Animal instinct, much like a cat chasing a toy, will compel the coyote to chase you, and the odds of that happening are greater the smaller you are.

If you can't go around the coyote to avoid it, or it's on your property and threatening your family or livestock and you simply want it to leave, your best bet is to be big and loud. If you've got a coat or jacket, take it off and wave it as you yell at the coyote. Swing a stick, bang it on the ground, throw rocks or sand or toys or silverware. Be in control. Be the Alpha Male. Make sure he knows you're not happy with him.

He's on your turf and he knows it. He wants to eat, not fight you for your territory. If he can't find an easy meal near you he'll move on, especially if he's afraid for his safety.

If you're on a hike our otherwise out in the wild, the same basic rules will apply with a couple of important exceptions. You may be intruding on a coyote's den, a fresh kill, or even a litter of pups. In those cases the coyote will be very defensive and will not be so easily intimidated.

You would be best advised to quietly and calmly walk away from those situations. Especially if the coyote shows no signs of nervousness upon your arrival.

(I am offering the above advice as nothing more than that, advice. It is taken from personal experience and is not meant to be the tell all for coyote encounters. I'm not responsible for your actions.)