A Gorgeous But Kinda Scary Visitor

Yesterday afternoon something caught my eye out the back window.  I thought it was a deer.  I grabbed the binoculars and took a look - it definitely wasn't a deer.  It was this gorgeous creature:

I have been Googling all things coyote and this is what I have deduced:

• I am guessing this is a male but there is no way to know for sure without another coyote to compare it to.  Males and females have no distinguishing marks so its size comparison or checking private parts which I opted not to try....
• Coyotes would likely not mess with the pig - somehow nature got the memo that pigs can be mean so the likelihood that they would come close enough to the house to get in the yard is slim and they likely wouldn't want to tangle with the pig.  They could try to get the dog but again - the whole pack would have to jump the fence to get in the  yard.  That said - Emma and Winston never have and will never go outside after dark without a human escort.
• Coyotes, like possums seem to get a bit of a bad rap - the fear we have of them is greatly exaggerated and they likely have no interest in dealing with me, the pig or the dog.

I will admit that I was a tiny bit scared when I first saw him but after some research I am feeling much better and I think he is an amazing part of our eco system.  I hope he comes around for another visit some time.