The EASTERN Coyote is a different animal from the solitary, human-fearing western Coyote.
The EASTERN Coyote is a BIG Animal which can get over 50 lbs and is a cross between the western coyote and the eastern Grey Wolf. Unlike the western coyote, they do hunt in packs.
They are different critters entirely. Trust me.
Oh, yeah. I wouldn't be too surprised if the interbreeding theory were correct. Those aren't the coyotes I'm used to, for sure.
Always hike with a means of self-defense, even if it's only a stick. One of those "bear bomb" pepper-spray canisters could have saved her. They're legal in Canada, I believe, although I do know you can't take CS over the border. Canadian FReepers are welcome to correct me, please.