Coyotes are a serious problem where I live. Small dogs being walked on leashes have been attacked in front of their horrified owners, while out for an evening walk. One of the most adaptable mammals on the planet, they can be found in almost any region. NBA, Thumper, and the others are all bang-on about what to do when confronted with one.
Growing up on a farm, we were taught that sometimes you can't prevent the oncoming attack, but you can win the fight: we were taught to give the attacking animal our non-dominant hand/forearm, grab the animal by the throat with the dominant hand, and choke it to death. Having witnessed it first-hand, I know it can work, but I don't think I'm that tough.