The Marlin 1894 take downs are impressive. A .44 Magnum, loaded with Garret or Buffalo Bore heavy magnum loads (300gr), should be comforting to have in big bear country and with any load, the .44 magnum or .44 special is more than adequate in the anti-personnel role. The same model in .357 magnum, loaded with Corbon or Buffalo Bore heavy loads (180-200gr) would do almost as well. The lever gun is also less likely to attract unwanted attention from the authorities (especially in Texas). For this application I would leave off the telescopic sight and stay with a sturdy ghost ring aperture sight. A provision for mounting a white light would be appropriate as would a lightweight, compact sling.
A more economical option would be a Rossi Trifecta take-down combination. For $300 you can have the stock piece, .22lr barrel, 20ga barrel and choice of a .44 magnum or .243 Win barrel.