Coyotes aren't stupid. That's how they've managed to proliferate for so long. They're also predators. They're not interested in winning as much as they are in surviving...uninjured if possible. They also understand what gunfire is, and what it means when one of their pack starts screaming and rolling around on the ground.
Even if they've never been fired on until that second...they associate the sound with a wounded pack member, and they don't press their attack after it happens...if there was any plan of attack to begin with.
I've seen Coyotes "pop" up from out of nowhere...watch for a minute...and disappear to parts unknown. Most of the time, it's out of curiosity, or they've been surprised. They're very good at sizing you up and determining if there's any risk involved. If you look big enough to present a danger, they usually split, or at most...they hang around and watch for a while, and then melt away into the underbrush.
The danger with Coyotes is mainly in surprising one...like in your garbage can. If he feels cornered...he'll attack. Always leave Mr. Yote an exit, and he'll take it almost without exception unless he's rabid or at the point of death from starvation...and even then, he'll usually run.
