Coyote sightings in my neighborhood, Alpharetta, Ga

I read my newsletter from my neighborhood today. I am interested in this coyote that I have never heard of before. Many people have seen it in the evening. The coyote preys are small cats and dogs. So dog and cat lovers should be aware of their pets. I usually keep my trash can in the backyard, and sometimes at night I am afraid to step out. So I throw the trash bag outside to put it in the trashcan in the morning. But sometimes my trashbags were torn off. I did not know if it is the coyote who looks for the food....I need to research more on this animal and will report later. Thanks for reading my post or correct me if I am wrong.