A HUGE pig that attacked a man in Melbourne's southeast has its own Facebook page, with dozens of devoted followers.

Nigel the pig bit Seaford man Robert Dennis on the leg yesterday, lifting him from the ground with his powerful jaws.

Mr Dennis, 50, suffered a 25cm gash in his leg and required microsurgery after Nigel escaped from an industrial block.

Nigel's Facebook page ("Nigel the Seaford pig") features several posts from the public who have taken photos with him, as well as videos showing his distinctive character and eating habits.

Weighing about 250kg, Nigel also has regular visitors who stop at his compound to say hello.

Owner Edward Weaver told Frankston Weekly he picked up the mixed breed porcine from a Skye farm almost two years ago, but he wasn't always so well-loved.

"He was a reject for the meat market because he was black and white. Apparently that's not appealing in pork rind," he said.

Mr Weaver said Nigel's diet includes cookies and Weetbix.

Seaford man Robert Dennis was bitten on the leg by the pig called Nigel, which lifted him off the ground with its powerful jaws.

Mr Dennis had walked outside his Govan St home to check on a commotion when the pig approached.

"It's just unbelievable. You don't expect to be gored by a pig on a Sunday afternoon," he said from hospital last night.

Herald Sun photographer Jake Nowakowski was at the scene when the pig attacked and captured it on camera.

"This pig just walked up to Robert, who was with another bloke, and it was nudging them. They were trying to get out of the way when the pig just bit his leg and lifted him into the air," he said.

Mr Nowakowski called paramedics, who treated the 50-year old and took him to hospital, where he was awaiting microsurgery on his leg.

"It's ripped a 25cm gash into my leg," he said.

"I didn't really feel anything, I just thought he'd lifted me up."

The pig was spotted walking through the industrial area about 3pm.

Mr Nowakowski, in the area on a different news assignment, said he saw the pig walking down the street and pulled out his camera.

"A bloke ... was chasing it down the street with a big stick and trying to guide it back home, but the pig was just ignoring him," he said.

"Robert has just come out to see what was going on."

A handyman and labourer, Mr Dennis said: "I'm not going to be able to work now. I'm just angry and I don't need this."

